Summer was passing slowly for Sadie. She worked most days mowing the narrow strips of lawn and collecting groceries for her neighbors, earning pocket money that would have to be exchanged for galleons and sickles before she returned to Hogwarts. She saw Lily on Saturdays and they would talk while swinging at the rundown local park.
Lily had been trying to convince her to tell her father about her identity and to be honest, Sadie was terrified. Her Da was a strong man. A man that had a temper, especially when he got into the drink. He was no wife beater but he had punched holes in the walls and thrown mugs before so Sadie just wasn't sure how he would react.
But today she summoned all the Gryffindor courage she could.
Her father had been home an hour, resting on the couch. And now they were sat down for dinner.
"Da, can I tell you something? It might change things…" She said hesitant but with steel behind her voice.
"Oh? Alright, out with it then, lad."
"That's just it Da, I'm not a lad. I'd rather be a lass. I even picked a name." She looked over at him over her plate of brisket and soggy chips.
He was silent, chewing his mustache.
"Well…I cant say I didnt see it coming. You wearing your Ma's shirts all throughout growing up. Is this a wizardry thing or just how ye are?"
She released some tension that had been building in her gut.
"I think its just me. My friend Lily, the redhead, she did some research at the library over on Coalter Street and they said theres more people out there that feel this way. Regular people, no magic."
His eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Well I'll be. Alright laddie…lassie. I cant say I'll get it right every time but youre mine and i care for ye. I take it this means you want a Bat Mitzvah instead of what we were planning? Tell me this name. I can see youre just about busting."
Her jaw dropped. In a million years, she never would have predicted this reaction.
"Y-yea I wanna bat mitzvah if you think Gran and Grandpop would be alright with it. And its Sadie. Sadie Anna Snape."
"Your Granpop may not like it but he doesnt have to like it. He has other grandsons from your uncle Michael. Sadie…thats a good name." He cleared his throat. " Now finish your supper and get washed up for bed."
Sadie smiled into her brisket. She couldn't wait to talk to Lily.