Chapter Four

"Mum! Dad! They're here!" An excited eleven-year-old redheaded girl came running from outside into the kitchen, waving, rapidly, two cream colored envelopes in one hand. She eagerly thrust them towards her smiling parents, as if proudly showing them off, "Look!"

Lily chuckled at her daughter's excitement. She pulled the smaller body into her lap, chin resting on soft hair as green eyes watched Ember tear into her letter, after carefully setting the other aside. In a way she didn't want to let go of her little girl, after all everyone stated Ember was like a miniature Lily while Harry was a copy of James. But that's not what either parent wanted, though it would have been nice, they wanted their children to be seen of their own merit, not their parents'. "Well," questioned Lily, even though what she already knew the contents.

Ember happened to glance over at her father when she saw him reaching out for the other letter, knowing instantly both were curious who it belonged to, "No!" They jumped as she flushed with embarrassment, "I mean, don't, Harry knows." She willingly ignored the loosening of shoulders and soft sighs of release. Everyone had thought of Harry as a squib, all because he never got emotional nor had a single moment where he had accidental magic. Their father, James, had been urged constantly to remove Harry as heir to the Potter family. Even though Ember was the firstborn, James followed tradition and made his first son Heir. Ember would be next in line if Harry, for any reason, was removed from that position, though the Wizarding world kept giving her gifts and money that could set her for life, at least comfortable for years after her schooling. She ignored most of it as she made sure much of it was given away to various charities, especially for children that suffered in the last war.

James, himself, was thinking along the same lines as her. In a way he was happy to know his son wasn't a squib. This letter from Hogwarts meant he could finally state his son was magical and was rightfully the chosen Heir. Now the world would know the truth that he had secretly hoped for, although he refused to even think of swaying their way. If Harry wasn't magical, he would be the first squib Heir to a powerful line.

Lily, on the other hand, had been silently hoping her little boy was a squib. She wanted him to stay home. She had first hand experience on how different her child was. She was afraid of what the others, especially as she knew how cruel children could be, would think of him or do to him, especially as Ember was hailed as Savior. Both children were permanently marked from that night, carrying the scars of two separate Killing Curses, one on the back, the other the face. They only thing anyone could admit was that Ember had dangerously drained her growing magical core to not only protect herself and brother from more harm as well as pay back the man who hurt her brother, but to force her brother back into living, possessively returning what she believed as hers. Even now Lily had seen how possessive Ember was of Harry. Usually it was whatever Ember wanted she got, even from the public, but as she also used her fame and name to get Harry whatever he wanted. Both Lily and James had sighed in relief as Ember remained loyal and loving to Harry, not once becoming anything but because of how different the two were treated.

But now, both parents wondered if Harry had the strength and determination to be on par with Ember. After all, too many said even if Harry had magic he would be the weaker of the two. If he fails, what could happen? Especially if anyone tries to push him further away to elevate Ember?

To ignore such thoughts, Lily asked, "Where is your brother?"

"Here."

Lily yelped, scrambling to keep a hold on her daughter as Harry came from nowhere. No one had gotten used to him appearing from the shadows as he did. "Harry! What have I told you about that!"

"Sorry, Mum."

Ember giggled, knowing it would remain as a constant as Harry knew nothing else. His sudden appearances, silent walking, and shadow blending were simply a part of him. Plus, she got a kick out of it whenever he scared someone. But she also knew it unnerved him when he was scolded for an unconscious action, quickly shifting the attention to her as always, "Shopping? Please, please, please."

Her parents laughed, "Of course. We'll floo to Diagon Alley." They laughed more as Ember squealed, jumping up to drag them away. But neither saw the backward glance as Ember watched Harry gently lift his unopened letter. No one knew that Ember knew what they all thought about Harry nor that she listened very carefully to the insults and carefully hidden conversations. She loved her brother, which meant he always came first. After all, no one else saw the knights that rescued Harry whenever he should have had accidental magic. It was a secret she would never tell and she knew no one else knew because she also knew all about the ability to see into one's mind, even knew how to trick someone to look elsewhere, after all, a kid is not suppose to have single track mind. Kids were known to be hyperactive and distractible. Don't worry, Harry. I won't tell. You're mine.

She swore to keep his secrets just like he had given his life to save her. She refused to let anything break that bond, even if it did get strained every now and then. With that train of thought, she returned her attention back to her usual persona, a happy-go-lucky savior, tossing floo powder into the fireplace, "Diagon Alley."

The Leaky Cauldron

"Remus!" Lily grabbed her friend in a hug while rubbing the ears of the large black dog at his side, "hello, Padfoot."

"Uncle Paddy!" Ember plowed over the dog in her eagerness to hug her Godfather, who quickly changed from dog to a smiling Sirius Black.

"Hey, kiddo."

Remus smiled as he watched them until he happened to notice a silent Harry, in which his smile fell off as he tried to greet the boy, softly as if not to spook him, "Hello, Harry." He barely controlled the shiver as emerald eyes simply eyed him before relaxing as Harry spoke.

"Hello."

His smile came back but softer and warmer at the near silent tone. It grew when Harry actually deemed him finally worthy of a quick hug. He saw that the Potters had noticed and seemed to relax even more. They knew how wary and untrustworthy Harry was of Remus, even though he had practically begged to tell his Godson of his affliction. James and Lily didn't think the children would understand, at least about how not all Dark Creatures were evil. But after the last incident, they had wished they had. For when Harry was five, they had gotten split apart during an excursion, the first in years as the Potters feared for their children after what happened when they were one, to the Alley when groups of people rushed to see their savior. Ember started screaming and bawling for her brother, wouldn't dare quiet until he was right by her side. When they went to pull him forward, Lily noticed she was holding air instead of a small hand. They had rushed off to find their lost son when Remus caught scent of his Godson. With the full moon near, his senses were heightened. He rushed off to follow the scent, ignoring the family who quickly followed him. He allowed Moony to influence him as he realized the scent was coming from Knockturn Alley, even began growling when he caught the faint scent of another wolf. Someone had deliberately grabbed his Godson either because of his scent or because they thought it slick to steal another's cub. He raced down the street, barely catching the sub vocal whimpers from his Godson, almost missing the scent of metal as it seemed to suddenly grow where Harry was. It wouldn't be until after the battle that the metal scent suddenly vanished, as if it knew Remus was there to protect but Harry wouldn't come around his Godfather, no matter what his parents or sister said, which shocked them all when Ember couldn't, for the first time, influence her brother.

Ember quickly intervened before a scene could be made, though she was just as proud when Harry actually answered and willingly hugged his Godfather, "Can Harry and me go on our own?"

Lily blinked, she had thought Ember would eagerly drag her parents through Diagon Alley in search of school supplies, not run off on her own immediately. But before she could speak, James interrupted, handing over the school vault key, "Of course. We'll meet here for lunch."

Ember brightly smiled as she snatched the key quickly and raced off with Harry in tow. As they stopped in the middle of the street, she glanced at the letter in her hand. Harry, on the other hand, pointed in a different direction than the one she was choosing, "Em?" She peered over to find the Apothecary as his choice.

Her nose wrinkled at the thought of going in, "You go ahead. Get a set for me, please." And then rushed off.

Harry smiled as he walked inside; knowing her and their father hated this store, then again they simply hated anything that dealt with Potions. Lily would have been quite happy to help Harry peer at each ingredient. Sighing at the stillness and silence, Harry carefully opened his letter for the first time to find the needed items. With a small cart in hand, he began systematically collecting what the list stated, sometimes getting more than required. But then he came to one item, the scales, which happened to be higher than him. He kept looking up, trying to figure out a way to get them down without injury or problems. "Where are your parents, boy?"

Emerald eyes blinked slowly, not surprised someone snuck up on him as he turned to find a dark figure standing over him, onyx eyes glaring. "Professor," he recognized the tall wizard from his mother and father's description, though Lily's seemed more on tract. Most likely because she is not as biased as Dad or Sirius can be.

Severus Snape sneered, though inwardly he was surprised at the respect from a boy he recognized as a Potter, Lily's eyes. "Mr. Potter."

Before either could say more a shrill cry came echoing, causing Severus to twitch as he also recognized the sound of The-Girl-Who-Lived, "Harry! Are you done yet? This place is smelly and creepy!" Then she muttered, "Don't know why you insist on being here this long."

"No, Ember," he gently called back to calm his sister as he looked back to the last item he desired, two scales.

Severus eyed the quiet boy and his cart, seeing the doubled amount. She's making him shop for her. Typical of a spoiled little brat, exactly what I would have thought of Potter. He peered over the shelves to find a bouncy redhead glaring from the door as she impatiently tapped her left foot; arms crossed holding a couple small wrapped bundles. Looking back at the boy, he reached up and grabbed two scales, handing them to a blinking Potter. Emerald eyes glanced up at him as the soft voice murmured, "Thank you." He watched Harry Potter move carefully to the counter to pay for his items. The boy seemed to have a natural grace when it came to Potions, knowing not to jar any ingredient or tool. He nodded as he came to a conclusion, Lily got to at least one of the Potter twins. At least now that would be one less Potter to worry about for the year.

Madame Malkin's

"Hello, dearies! Hogwarts as well?" The twins nodded as Madame Malkin smiled brightly, leading them to the side to be measured, "Come this way. We're just finishing up another for Hogwarts."

Ember eagerly pranced to the stool, jumping up, twitching as she tried to stand still. She ignored anyone else who was around, even the pale blonde who sidled up to Harry, "Hogwarts, I hear."

Harry nodded, "Yes."

"Me too. Though Mother wanted me to go to Durmstrang, said it was a proper school that would teach me well. Father put his foot down and said I would go to Hogwarts as they had. Know what House you'll be in? My family's been in Slytherin!"

"My Daddy says Slytherins are slimy, evil snakes!" Of course, that would be the word to gain Ember's attention.

Harry sighed, hoping to stop a fight before it started, "They are not evil, Em. They simply live in the darkest of shadows no one willingly sees nor wish to be a part of. They have no one but each other. Remember the lost one, a child of bravery."

She flinched, turning away. Mum and Dad were at a stalemate on that subject, even with Remus and Sirius joining the debate. Mum and Remus were on the side of befriending the Slytherins while Dad and Sirius thought they were evil gits that deserved to be put in their place and pranked. Now she felt bad because Harry had put her in her place, knowing full well what House they would both likely be placed, "Harry."

Her brother shrugged it off, "I know."

She ignored the raised brow of the pale boy as she turned back to being measured. Ignoring the soft conversation of the two as she struggled with her inner feelings. She kept quiet as Harry made a friend outside of their close knit group. She remained quiet as she waited for his fitting and on the walk to next shop.

"Ah, hello, Mr. and Ms. Potter, I wondered when I would finally meet you. Shall we select your wands?"

Ember nodded, standing forth to be measured again, this time for a wand, "I'm first."

"Very well." Ollivander was eager to begin this search. When he saw the twins step into his shop, he knew right away this would be a challenge, one he would enjoy reliving for years to come. He was even more curious at what wand would choose Mr. Potter more than the one for famous Ember Potter. Almost everyone heard of the story about Harry Potter, who gave his life for Ember only to be brought back by his sister. Everyone was in awe of how powerful their savior was, knowing she would keep them safe from any evil. At first there were doubters, thinking because it was Harry who died and came back, he should be savior until the real story came to light. Now not one person doubted anymore.

As each wand rejected a glum Ember Potter, he nodded. Perhaps it will sell now. He stepped away to a small corner, reaching for a dusty box. There was only one other wand this box matched. A set that never sold until fifty years ago when half the set bonded to its user. Now fifty years later, this wand would find its owner. "Try this." Hawk eyes watched as a warm light flooded from its tip, surrounding a smiling Ms. Potter. He glumly nodded, hoping against hope, "Did you know this was a set? Only two wands in the world created as a set and I remember every single wand I had ever sold. These two wands were the only ones to be made by the same creature, who never before gave nor ever will give its feathers again. A fire phoenix gifted two pieces of wood, one yew, one holly, two tail feathers. Fifty years ago I sold this wand's partner. It's amazing to know you, Miss Potter, are destined for this wand when its brother gave you and your brother your scars."

"Oh!" All eyes turned to find a white faced Lily Potter and stunned James.

Ollivander continued despite his audience, "You-Know-Who was destined for the brother of your wand, fifty years ago. That is why I am not truly surprised you are now the owner of this wand. After all, You-Know-Who did great things…terrible, yes, but great. That is why I believe you shall also do great things." He allowed that to sink in, patiently waiting to quench his curiosity. Considering who Ember was, that was why he wasn't surprised in her choice of wand. He simply desired to know Harry's. After all, every wand maker in the world was anxious to know. And the one who sold to this boy would have quite the reputation, elevation in position as wand maker.

And Ollivander believed he knew the right combination for Harry. Like his sister, there was a wand that had been created years ago, one no one had ever been able to claim. Not one wand maker could understand why nor how it was created and were eager to know its owner.

"Mr. Ollivander?" Harry stepped forward, ignoring the soft arguing of his family over his sister's wand.

Ollivander nodded, simply walking away to an even darker corner for an even dustier box, this one seemed smaller though. He carefully made his way back as everyone eyed him. He reverently handed over the box to Mr. Potter to allow the boy to open the box on his own. He watched eagerly as the boy held the white colored wand, eyeing the warm sparks shooting out. "Miss Potter's wand was Holly with the Phoenix tail feather core. Your wand, Mr. Potter, is the most unique ever made, the only one of its kind. It was made long before wand makers became popular. All we know of this wand is that the wood is from an ancient spirit tree, believed somewhere in Japan, with a core of Thestral hair wrapped with Unicorn hair while dipped in dragon's blood and tears of an ice Phoenix. The maker was powerful though she," he smirked at their shocked looks as it wasn't often a female became a wand maker, "died not long after making this wand. It was found among her personal things with a note that it would make its round until its owner appeared. All we knew was that she believed this wand would be needed by someone who walked the slim line between worlds. We know nothing else but what she wrote."

Ember grimly nodded as she threw several galleons upon his desk, not caring if it was under or over the total price, then dragged Harry for their books, uncaring to the calls of her family. Ollivander nodded as he absently counted out the correct change, murmuring, "Yes, she is destined to great things but one must wonder of the shadows surrounding her light."