Chapter 2: Wizards and Witches
Alexander leaned against the treehouse window; the afternoon was warm as usual. The birds were chirping happily, the sun shining through the tree branches. The sky was a clear, bright blue. It was as if the world had no care. As if everything was still normal as usual in the small town of Little Charleston.
But it wasn't.
For the past week, Alex has been hiding out in the woods, up in his treehouse. The town was swarming with officers from police departments all over the county. Nobody knew what truly happened. Not even Alex himself.
I hurt Aspen. I set him on fire. But how?!
What Fawkes and Alex could gather, Aspen was sent to an emergency hospital all the way out to Richmond. He was badly burnt and some of the flames couldn't be extinguished, they were still burning. And the only suspect of the violent attack was who the police were after. Alexander Rosewell.
Everyone had pointed a finger at him, all who were present and not. Everybody in town knew the history of the troubled boy who always started fights and fires. His troublemaking had taken a whole different level, they said. A juvenile delinquent to an aspiring criminal. So for the past week, the police have been searching for the 11 year old who many said was a precocious and smarter than for his age.
Alex has been living off what resources he had in the woods and treehouse. And of course to Fawkes mysterious way of getting things without being noticed. Although he was a flaming bird, nobody seemed to notice him, especially in the dark where his fire should've been bright enough. Like magic maybe.
Magic. It was the only explanation. But does it really count as a sensible, logical explanation?
Another thing nagging him was that nobody had noticed the man. The one who sounded so delighted in the boy being set on fire. Nobody mentioned him; it was like only Alex saw him. But why was he there? Does he have something do with this...-craziness?
It didn't do much for him to dwell on things that have no logical answers. You can't look in a book and search up the possible principles of how and why things were happening the way they were with Alex.
How does one accidently and illogically set someone on fire without any substances or materials that have that chemical reaction? That's what it would look like, but Alex was thinking more along the lines of- Can you set somebody on fire with your bare hands and a feather?
Fawkes flapped his wings, jeering Alex out of his thoughts. He looked back at his only companion, whom let out some high-pitched notes.
Hide. Intruders. Danger.
Alex quickly dropped to the floor, his hand already around his pocket knife and a slingshot. They weren't much but they were all he had. Frantically, he thought of who or what could be lurking nearby.
If it was some cops, he'll be fine if he stayed quiet until they passed. He had already covered up any evidence or trace of his hiding place. As for strangers or animals, he should still be covered. As for the mysterious man, I will go down and face him. He has to have answers.
Fawkes had fallen quiet on his perch, still as a statue. The intelligent bird knew not to give them away. But suddenly, he launched himself out of the window and soared down. Alex panicked, thinking what would set the phoenix off into doing something so brash. It better not be a meal!
Fawkes's absurd timing would surely give his spot away unless he continued to stay quiet. Listening, he tried to figure out the state of what's happening outside. He heard startled voices… and now they sound cheerful?
Alex jumped up, his slingshot aimed and ready to hit his targets. Then a most unusual sight met him. In all his time, Fawkes never interacted with other humans except Alex. But there between the branches, Alex could see two men and a woman in the clearing. And on the dark-haired man's shoulder, Fawkes sat singing a tune. Alex's jaw dropped as he watched all three people gently pet the phoenix. It was as if they knew each other.
What?! Who are they?
He strained his ears, trying to catch what they were murmuring about. They seemed delighted with Fawkes and they chatted amongst themselves. Alex watched curiously, trying to figure out who they might be. Fawkes had once told him stories of his old home and companion through his songs. Yet he wasn't quite sure.
Could one of them be the mysterious man?
The only way Alex would be able to tell was if one of them sounds like him. A deep voice, but he could barely tell from up in the treehouse. It was far too dark that evening to tell if the man had dark hair or red hair, so it could be either of them.
"What have you got to show us, Fawkes?" the dark haired man looked up. Alex quickly ducked, his back pressed against the wall. It couldn't be him for his voice didn't match; there was an accent to it. Then Fawkes appeared on the window and gently pecked Alex's head. He flapped his wings as he made another tune.
Come. Safe with us.
Alex didn't understand a single thing. The sudden appearances and interactions were all just too much for him at this point. But he decided he had no choice but to trust his only friend. Hesitantly, Alex stood up and climbed down the rope. Not daring to be at level with them, he stayed on a tree branch and hugged the tree trunk. With a determined grim look, he stared down the adults.
They all looked astonished, staring back at him. The young woman grabbed at the red head's arm, both cocking their heads. The dark haired man had Fawkes on his shoulder, but still managed to angle his round glasses correctly. They all looked around their 20's, still young. After studying them, Alex decided to break the silence.
"Who are you guys?"
As if they didn't think he could talk, the trio looked around at each other still in shock. Then the red head spoke up first.
"Who in bloody hell are you?" It was Alex's turn to look shocked. They're British?
"How do you know Fawkes? Don't tell me he's British too?!" Alex stared at them. Things are at a level of awkwardness that I didn't even think could be breached. Then in some agreement, the trio nodded at each other before the dark haired man spoke up first.
"My name is Harry Potter," he ran a hand through his hair, revealing for a moment a lightening shaped scar on his forehead.
"Hermione Weasley. Pleasure to meet you," the young woman smiled kindly. The red head next to her grinned down at her before she gave him a kick. He hissed and gave her a glare before turning and realizing the reason for the kick.
"Oh I'm uh, Ron Weasley," he sputtered raising a hand in greeting. But Alex idly stared at them, still not sure what their presence meant. The red head and the pretty woman were obviously married by their rings. The Harry man had a ring too, married as well. And they all seemed close, possibly friends with the way they seem to communicate. The trio glanced at each other again, having some sort of silent conversation. They then nodded, seeming to agree on some decision. Harry Potter then spoke up again.
"We know Fawkes, since we were children actually. He was an old mentor and friend's companion. We haven't seen him for 12 years, since-"
"His old companion died. That's how long since he left his old home. Fawkes told me that," Alex couldn't help but blurt out that piece of information. And just like before, they all looked around startled.
"Hold on, 'Fawkes told' you?" Ron Weasley asked incredulously, "What do you mean?"
Alex uttered a very unintelligent "Uhh", but Hermione Weasley took over before he could say anything else.
"Never mind that, the point is Fawkes came and found us. He wanted to show us something or really it looks like, someone."
Alex had no answer to that. His mind was already reeling, looking for explanations or reasons. It was true that Fawkes had disappeared a few days ago but came back in several hours. That was longer than usual when he goes hunting or just flying around. But did he really just go for a spin and snack?
"Who are you? And what are you?" Hermione narrowed her eyes, wearing an expression of calculation.
What am I? What kind of question is that? But… do I even know what I really am?
"And besides that, how do you know Fawkes? If you don't mind, we'd like to know your story," Harry Potter stepped forward. Fawkes then flew to Alex and landed lightly onto his shoulder.
Come on. Tell them. Safe. Fawkes sang his tunes.
Alex sighed, looking back at the trio. They didn't want to harm him that was clear enough. So far, they treated him well, even if they were adults. And they might have answers for his questions. It wasn't like he had anything to lose.
"My name is Alexander Rosewell. And I don't have a middle name nor any parents," he jumped down from the tree and leaned against it. Fawkes casually sat on his head, obviously a very comical sight he was- a phoenix sitting on his head and pecking playfully at his ears.
"I met Fawkes right here in this very clearing about 4 years ago. I am now 11 years old and I'm considered a juvenile delinquent. I don't have a story, because I'm a nobody who occasionally sets things on fire. A walking 11 year old disaster waiting to happen. And so far, I don't think I will have a story."
He spoke, sarcasm leaking in his words, but he challenged them to retort to his answer. Harry, Ron and Hermione all looked at each other again, a peculiar look on their faces. Hermione then walked up to Alex and kneeled in front of him. Alex stiffened his hand already at his pocket.
She then pulled out an object from her coat pocket, a slender wooden stick. Like the mysterious man, his eyes widened.
"Alexander, do you mean you have had unusual things happen to you or around you? Things that are often unexplainable or unreasonable?" she softly asked, the stick pointed down. Alex thought for a second, and he saw no harm in answering truthfully. He solemnly nodded.
Hermione bit her lip and nodded to herself. She then stepped up and turned to the young men. They all nodded at each other and together they moved up to him. But something in the way they stared made him feel as if they were studying him in a new light. Alex felt like he was at the brink of knowing something big. Like he was standing right outside an important moment in his life, and possibly the world.
All three of them then raised their sticks and pointed them directly at Alex. He wanted to shrink or run for no typical reason. Something told him they weren't just sticks. But from the determined looks on their faces, he stayed put.
And together, the three chanted in unison and tapped him at the base of his throat. He squeezed his eyes shut, expecting for something to happen. But nothing did.
Fawkes still sat on his head, not seeming disturbed by all the stick pointing and weird chanting. But as for the trio, they looked astonished. They all gave him some knowing smile, except he had no idea what it was. He couldn't help but burst saying, "What?!"
Harry then kneeled down, his eyes at level with Alex's. He nodded at the others before taking a breath. "Alexander, you're a wizard."
Alexander's first instinct was to burst out laughing. His first thought was about how ridiculous this joke was. He actually believed that they were going to say something really important and world shattering. But there was that small part of him that in the next moment became bigger.
They were telling the truth.
There was always that part of him that existed which believed in the world being a lot more than it seems. That small hope that strange and wonderful things did exist. Like magic.
But here he was, stunned. He didn't know what to believe. All his life, he turned to logic in explaining everything around him. Science and figuring things out, they gave him a certainty. A sure purpose and hard solid truth. Magic doesn't. An illusion, a fantasy and a tiny spark of wonder from the human mind. That's what he had taught himself, until Fawkes. And now, faced with someone telling him- A wizard.
"What? How? Why?" he blurted out his three favorite evaluation questions. I can treat this like everything else I was confused about. Every question has an answer and explanation. Everything has an origin and purpose.
"What? A wizard. Like us. How? Either one or both your parents had magic blood in them," Hermione answered right away. She kneeled down in front of him again. She had a tentative smile, but she looked concerned.
"As for why, it's an answer that comes in time," she patted Harry's shoulder. The trio all looked at Alex, studying him with smiles that hid concerned frowns.
"A wizard. As in I can do," Alex gestured with his hands, making little swirling movements. The trio grinned, Fawkes even whistling in what sounded like tinkling laughter.
"It's okay if it's a lot to take in. I was a bit dazed with everything when I first found out too," Harry gave a laugh. The others joined, obviously remembering old memories.
"Well, for me I always knew I was a wizard. After all, both my parents are pretty active in the wizarding community. And my brothers did some terrible spells and jinxes on me," Ron frowned at the last thought. But Alex still felt doubtful and not convinced. As if Harry understood, he extended his stick to Alex.
"My wand, take it. Just give it a wave and you'll see for yourself," Alex gingerly took the wand. He held it up and inspected it. He racked his head for the name of the wood it was made of, fingering its worn handle and little designs.
"6 inch of holly? It isn't solid, so does it have something inside?" Alex quizzically looked at Harry whom seemed a bit taken back. He nodded before answering, "Yes, 6 inch of holly and phoenix feather for its core. Fawkes's tail feather to be exact."
Alex was fascinated and gave Fawkes a pat. "So does the core give it its magical power?"
Harry gave an unintelligent "Uhh", very much like Alex's from before. But Hermione came to his rescue.
"Yes, in some ways. The core of a wand is a magical substance placed within the length of wood. They are usually bits of hair or feather extracted from some sort of Magical Being or Creature. The materials used for wand cores can vary widely," her explanation sounded like she'd recited directly out of a book. She then grinned at Alex, "You're very observant. Your opinion on knowledge is?"
Alex returned the grin, "Knowledge is power and a key for the world." For a second, Hermione's face flickered and her smile wavered. But it happened so fast that Alex almost thought he'd imagined it. But she was right; he was observant and didn't let that pass him. Before anything else could be exchanged, Ron gave a frustrated sigh.
"If you geniuses don't mind, I'd like a bit of life to come back here. Go on Alexander, what are you waiting for?" Ron gestured to the wand and Alex reddened on forgetting the reason for holding Harry's wand. As he held it up, he took a deep breath. Harry smiled and nodded at him to go ahead. Take the encouragement gladly, Alex waved the wand.
And the nearby tree caught on fire. Alex yelped as he stared in astonishment at the flaming tree. Ron quickly pointed his wand at it and a jet of water shot, which extinguished the fire. The trio all nodded in approval, as if they were very much expecting it to happen that way.
"Good thing you were pointing at the tree," Ron chuckled.
I am a wizard. A wizard, Alex kept repeating in his head.
"Yeah and of course I'd set something on fire," Alex couldn't help but laugh at that thought. He suddenly felt giddy at holding something that could have so much power. A wave of energy and fulfillment seemed to overcome him. If he had a wand he could do so much, with great potential. His thoughts were already racing at the possibilities and the limits that could be pushed. He wanted to do it again.
But that energy that was filling him and his train of thoughts came to a stop as Harry plucked his wand back, "That wasn't such a bad reaction. But when you find your wand, you'll probably not set anything on fire or blow it up or shatter it or-"
"I think he gets the point Harry," Ron gave him a slap on the back. They all laughed, good-naturedly. And for the first time, Alex realized just how at ease he's been for the first in a rather long time. I am a wizard.
"Anyway, being a wizard is a great responsibility and-"Hermione was quickly interrupted by her spouse.
"Love, don't start with that. You'll bore us and make him worry about a load of dung. You want to know about a being a wizard, I'll tell you! Being a wizard is great fun and advantage. You get to do so much, life for us is way better than those poor muggles. We have things easier, enjoyable and of course the best of all Quidditch," Ron matter-of-factly explained. Hermione shot up and pounded him on the arm.
"Goodness, Ron! Already you're setting him up for trouble and immorality. He needs to know that there is nothing wrong with being a muggle and that they are equal and just as human as us wizards," she gritted her teeth at him. Harry stood up laughing, but was slugged on the arm as well.
"Ouch, Hermione!" both young men stepped away from her. Rolling her eyes, she looked back at Alex. He had watched the exchanges between them and concluded that, yes they are close friends. But he was still slightly confused and dazed with his circumstances.
"Alexander, dear, you never want to end up as unintelligent as these two. And as I was saying, being a wizard isn't all laziness and simplicity with using magic. There are other means to it, and of course rules. You will learn that there lines that must never be crossed unless you want to end up-" she gulped before continuing, "So, you must know all you can before interacting in our world."
"Yes, she's absolutely right. One of the most important is secrecy. No one other than magical beings knows of our existence. Terrible consequences could occur if an ordinary non-magical human, a muggle, was to find out about us," Harry looked seriously at Alex, and seemed to be waiting for acknowledgement. Alex quickly nodded, wondering for the reasons of secrecy.
"If I'm a wizard, this changes everything," Alex suddenly realized, everything adding up and hitting him hard. The trio all nodded, looking at each other again. Another silent conversation happened between them. But before they can agree on anything Alex knew he'd burst at the seams if he didn't say anything.
"Wait! If I'm a wizard, I can leave Little Charleston, right? Go to wherever any wizarding community there is? You guys can take me?" Alex asked his hands in fists.
"It actually depends. You see, you're an American. And an orphan," Ron answered. The others slowly nodded, not quite meeting his eyes. Alex got the gist, they can't help him escape, unless…
"I can't stay here though. I'm in trouble and the police are after me and will arrest me-"Hermione's head snapped to him. She looked shocked but realization seemed to flood her eyes.
"Yes, you can't stay here. The American Ministry of Magic has been all over here. A dark wizard has been spotted and seemed to have caused trouble. Were you by any chance near the incident?" she crouched down, looking him in the eye. What? A dark wizard? Could it be the mysterious man? But it was me that set Aspen on fire. Now that I'm a wizard, everything points to me. But everyone thinks it's the mysterious dark wizard…
Alex couldn't lie; he might as well the truth. But was it really me? Will it make a difference?
"Actually I saw him. This dark wizard. I was also there at the incident… the boy that got set on fire was the one that I had a fight with. He had gained up on me with his group. And when he… well caught on fire, the mysterious man- I mean the dark wizard actually… was there. He was grinning but I panicked and ran. And since then, I'd been here with Fawkes."
Hermione simply stared at him intensely, studying him. She knows I'm not saying the entire truth.
"Wait, did you get a good look at him? The Aurors might be able to find him if they get a description," Harry asked with a hard expression.
Alex raised an eyebrow, "Aurors? And no, it was too dark I was only able to make out his grin."
Harry nodded solemnly and stood up. He nodded at Ron, but Hermione's gaze was still focused on Alex.
"I think we need to get you away. If you're an orphan, who do you live with?" Harry had an unusual expression when he asked his question.
"I'm in the system. I just move around in foster homes, and believe me the people I'm currently staying with won't give a damn where I am," Alex glared at the ground, toeing the jutting tree roots. Fawkes then nibbled on his ear, making him remember that the phoenix was still sitting on his head. He smiled as he stroked the beautiful gold and red feathers.
"He's an American; we can't just take him all the way to London!" Hermione hissed, trying to discuss with Ron and Harry. The young men looked at her in dismay, arguing on what their next move should be.
"Fawkes came to us for a reason. He wants us to help the boy. Besides we don't have any other choice, we can't just leave him," Harry argued his voice raising. Ron nodded firmly along.
"And if we take him with us, we can explain to Shacklebolt. He'll contact the American Ministry of Magic and everything will be dealt out. And how can they in the first place not know about a wizard out here?" Ron gestured wildly. As Alex watched, he couldn't help but feel contempt and appreciation at the same time.
"Fine. And I admit, how on earth was this child all the way out here, with no wizards or witches in miles around. They must not know of his existence, so we have a right to intervene because of Fawkes as well," Hermione seemed to finally relent when sense was showed to her. She sighed and the trio nodded in agreement. Together they stepped up to Alex.
"Get your things. All your personal possessions that you'll need like spare clothes, trinkets, and the like," Harry informed Alex. Despite the way of the conversation and being treated once again like a simple child, he couldn't help but grin. He quickly scrambled up the tree and rope, grabbing his already packed rucksack.
He'd had it ready for a long time, just in case. But he did a check of his inventory; clothes, several important books and notebooks. Snacks and hygiene utensils, several zip-lock bags full with an assortment of odds and ends form his collection of jars and cans. As he stood up and looked around the treehouse, he felt his heart clench.
For the past years ever since he met Fawkes, he finally found a place to call home. Years of collecting and just plain curiosity filled this little safe haven of his. This place was Fawkes and his, everything in some way said "Alex". From the maps, the random notes and towers of books. The collection of spare parts and random objects he found. Everything and every inch of this place was something he made himself. Well, he didn't exactly build the treehouse but he did decorate and replenish it. But in every way, he made it home for Fawkes and himself. He worked for it and now he was leaving it all behind.
Happy. Safe other than Home. New Home. New Adventure.
Fawkes sat on his perch before flapping and residing on Alex's shoulder. He pecked at his ear, comforting him and reassuring. Smiling Alex decided that Fawkes was right. And just maybe, they weren't leaving forever. This will always be home. And on this new adventure, there will surely be a new home for them.
And at that thought, Alex's mind raced at the possibilities. The opportunities and chances that will come. So many doors have opened and so many things have finally become clear. He looked down at his hands, scratched and scarred. But full of potential. I am a wizard.
"ALEXANDER! YOU DON'T NEED TO PACK THE WHOLE TREEHOUSE!" Ron yelled from below, "Actually, come to think of it, we might actually can… but nah. JUST HURRY UP! Honestly take only what you can't live without!"
Alex couldn't help but chuckle. He did one last sweep before realizing one thing he almost forgot. He quickly looked in a small hidden compartment on a shelf. He pulled his black twine necklace with the charred feather at the end. And then carefully pulled a felt cloth pouch, the pouch in which he had kept the blood red rose. He placed both in a hidden pocket in his rucksack, not quite sure why.
Then as he stepped to the trap door and held on to the rope, he tore his eyes away from the only place he knew as home. And he landed safely on the ground; Fawkes flew down from the window and lightly landed on Alex's head.
"About time. You know, you might not really need anything where you're going," Ron jutted his chin at the rucksack that was sort of bulging.
Harry nodded, "You're heading to a new world. And the things you might see there are rather different and extraordinary by far than our average muggle things."
Hermione snorted, "Oh you two, honestly! Muggle items are just worth collecting as magic things. You Ron should know better than any other wizard with your father." In response, Ron groaned and grumbled something unintelligent. His wife pretended to ignore while Harry tried to hide his smirk.
"Now, I think the best way is to Apparate. It's the fastest but there is the uhh... complications for first timers," Hermione then looked at Harry. He cocked an eyebrow, "Me?"
"Yes. You have better experience with passengers, especially for those on their first time. And it's not like we have a Portkey or Floo Powder handy," she gave him a pointed look. Ron nodded along with her.
"Okay," he accepted without further ado, "Alexander, Apparation is tricky transportation. Especially for your first time at a young age and no magic experience. Only and only, adult wizards are allowed to travel this way because of safety reasons and other sort. You have to have a license and all."
"But you'll be fine as long as you hold on to my arm tightly and don't let go. Besides the very terrible feeling, you shouldn't possibly get hurt or splinched."
"Splinched? What's that-"Harry then moved up to Alex and offered his arm. Gingerly, he took it. Fawkes then flapped off his head and on the tree branch.
"He'll find us fine," Hermione said as she glanced at Fawkes but turned back to Harry, "We'll go first, see you there." She and Ron waved before suddenly they both disappeared in thin air with a short pop. Alex gaped at where they stood only seconds ago, the crushed leaves and pressed grass the only traces of them being there before.
Harry grinned down at him, "Do you mind if I call you Alex, short for Alexander?"
"Sure, as long as I can call you just Harry?" Alex asked with a little smirk. Harry chuckled and nodded before taking on a serious look. He gave Fawkes a wave and Alex did as well. Fear suddenly gripped him at this unknown "apparation".
"Ready?" Harry asked and Alex only tentatively gave one nod. Harry took a deep breath and the next thing he knew was the world turned black. He was suddenly being pressed very hard from every direction, squeezing and crushing him. Pressure was crushing his chest, ears, eyes and he couldn't breathe. Then suddenly-
He gulped deep lungfuls of air again. He took deep breaths and began blinking rapidly at his tearing eyes. The terrible sensation of pressure left its trace on him; he had never taken such deep breaths of air. And he found himself thanking for the ability to breathe again.
When he regained his composure, he turned to survey his position. And to his great astonishment, he was in new surroundings. He stared gaping at the large gold gates that opened up to a large atrium lined with fireplaces along the walls. A few of the hearths would burst with green flames and a person in robes would step out. In the center, a fountain stood with golden figures. He wanted to get a closer look, but then realized he was still clinging to Harry's arm.
Harry simply smiled; obviously he was observing Alex's reaction. As he sheepishly let go of his arm, Alex glanced around the grand place wondering where they were exactly.
And just like before, Harry somehow read his mind, "Alex, welcome to the Ministry of Magic."