Rose Potter sat quietly in the corner of the grand drawing room in Potter Manor, her small form barely noticeable amidst the opulent surroundings. At four years old, she was a delicate child with a cascade of untamed black hair and vivid green eyes that held an innocence untouched by the world around her. She wore a simple dress, slightly frayed at the edges, a testament to her neglected existence within the walls of her ancestral home.
Potter Manor, located in the remote town of O'Groats in Caithness, Scotland, stood as a testament to the grandeur and legacy of the Potter family. However, the walls of this illustrious estate held a secret, a forgotten member of the Potter lineage named Rose.
Rose's twin brother, Harry, was the center of attention in this household. He was the Boy Who Lived, the survivor of the killing curse and defeater of the most feared dark wizard of all time, Lord Voldemort. James and Lily Potter, their parents, had sacrificed everything to ensure Harry's survival.
Everything had changed on that fateful night when Voldemort, aided by a traitorous Peter Pettigrew, had infiltrated the Potter residence, while James and Lily were away attending an Order of the Phoenix meeting.
The Potter parents had believed that leaving Harry and Rose alone with their trusted friend, Peter, would keep her safe from harm. But little did they know that Peter would betray their trust and allow Voldemort access to the house, leading to their untimely demise. The guilt and pain of this knowledge haunted Peter for the rest of his life, but for Rose, it left her scarred in a different way.
Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had discovered the truth about Harry's survival and the role played by Peter Pettigrew. He had taken it upon himself to place Harry with his only remaining blood relatives, the Dursleys, in order to protect him from the dark forces that still lurked.
While Dumbledore worried for Harry's safety and was aware of his newfound fame, he failed to recognize the toll this took on Rose's well-being. James and Lily, consumed by their concern for Harry and the weight of his celebrity, inadvertently began to neglect their daughter.
In the early years of Rose's life, the signs of neglect were subtle but unmistakable. James and Lily seldom spared a glance for their daughter, their attention solely focused on Harry. As Rose took her first steps, her parents barely noticed. When she spoke her first words, her voice went unheard amidst the clamor surrounding her brother's achievements.
At family dinners, Rose would sit quietly at the table, her parents engaged in animated discussions about Harry's magical prowess and his future at Hogwarts. They would lavish praise upon him, recounting tales of his escapades to anyone who would listen. Rose, invisible to them, would pick at her food, longing for even a fraction of the attention showered upon her brother.
The grandeur of Potter Manor clashed with the neglect Rose endured. The vibrant halls made the young child seem like nothing but a shadow. Rose would spend her days exploring the extensive grounds of the estate, seeking solace among the ancient trees and hidden gardens, finding companionship in the whispers of nature.
On the day of her fifth birthday, Rose stood at the edge of the bustling courtyard of Potter Manor, peering through a crack in the ornate iron gate. She watched as the joyful chaos of Harry's birthday celebration unfolded before her eyes. Uncle Sirius, with his contagious laughter, and her godfather Remus, with his gentle smile, showered Harry with love and attention.
As Rose observed the scene, a pang of longing tugged at her heart. She yearned for a fraction of the affection that her brother received, a touch of the warmth that surrounded him. The weight of her loneliness became unbearable, and a decision took hold of her young mind.
With resolve in her eyes, Rose turned away from the festivities, her tiny feet carrying her down a winding path that led to the coast. As she ventured farther from the manor, the landscape transformed into a picturesque vista. The cliffs stretched towards the heavens, their jagged edges meeting the crashing waves below. Sea spray filled the air, carrying a salty tang that mingled with the sweet scent of wildflowers.
Magical creatures flitted among the cliffs and danced on the wind. Winged pixies fluttered their iridescent wings, casting fleeting sparks of color. Sirens sang their haunting melodies, their voices intertwining with the harmony of the crashing waves. Rose's eyes sparkled with wonder as she witnessed this hidden world, feeling an inexplicable connection with the magical creatures that called this place home.
As Rose descended further down the coast, she discovered a secluded cove nestled between towering rocks. Within the cove, a pristine tidal pool shimmered with enchantment. Merfolk with their elegant tails swam gracefully, their voices a symphony that echoed through the cavernous space. The water was teeming with fantastical sea creatures, their vibrant scales glinting under the sunlight.
The young girl's heart swelled with a deep sense of belonging. Here, in this coastal sanctuary, she found solace and understanding. With each passing day, Rose's affinity with magical creatures grew, and she began to immerse herself in the study of herbology. She devoured every book she could find, learning the properties and uses of plants with meticulous detail.
As her knowledge expanded, Rose discovered that magical creatures were drawn to her presence. From elusive thestrals to mischievous nifflers, they became her companions in this secluded paradise. With them, Rose found comfort and companionship, her once lonely world transforming into something rich and extraordinary.
Over the course of that year, Rose ventured farther and farther out along the coast, exploring hidden caves and ancient ruins. The wilderness became her sanctuary, a place where she could be free, her voice finding harmony with the whispering wind and the melodic songs of magical creatures.
In the depths of the wild, Rose's silence became a language all its own, spoken in the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the sea. She embraced the untamed beauty of the world around her, her connection with nature and magical creatures blossoming with each passing day. Under the tutelage of nature, her spirit grew resilient, unyielding against the neglect that had marked her early years.
On her seventh birthday, Rose crept back to Potter Manor through the moonlit forest, her body covered in dirt and leaves. Birthdays held no significance to her; she measured time by the changing of seasons, by the dance of nature. She had lost track of the days, lost in her solitary world amidst the enchantment of the wild.
Unbeknownst to Rose, her return coincided with a grand celebration held in her brother's honor. As she stepped into the courtyard, her small form dirt-streaked and disheveled, a hush fell over the partygoers. The guests, including Fred and George Weasley, who had never known of Harry's sister, stared at her with wide eyes, their gazes filled with surprise and curiosity.
Rose's appearance, with her thin limbs, unruly hair, and piercing eyes, gave her an almost otherworldly and predatory air. She seemed like a creature born from the wild itself, a girl untouched by the polished manners and societal expectations of the wizarding world.
Lily, caught off guard by Rose's sudden appearance, let out an exasperated cry. "Rose! Look at you! You're an absolute disgrace! How dare you show up to your own birthday party in such a state?"
Confusion clouded Rose's young face as she failed to grasp the meaning behind her mother's words. She had only sought solace in the forest, seeking comfort in the earth and the company of animals whose subtle language she understood far better than the complexities of human interaction.
Remus, her godfather, felt a surge of shock and guilt in the reminder that she was his responsibility, his goddaughter. He had forgotten the weight of that role amidst the chaos of Harry's upbringing. As he looked at Rose, covered in dirt and innocence, a profound sense of remorse washed over him.
Rose, too far out of touch with humanity to feel the weight of her mother's disappointment and the gaze of curious onlookers, retreated to the confines of her room. The door closed behind her, sealing her away from the outside world. The last strings that had tied her to humanity seemed to snap, leaving her adrift in the world of untamed magic and wild creatures that had become her sanctuary.
Over the course of the following year, Rose's presence within Potter Manor grew increasingly scarce. Her once-frequent returns from the wild became infrequent, limited only to silent visits to the library, where she delved into the world of books and knowledge with unwavering determination. It was within the comforting embrace of the library's walls that she found solace from the neglect that pervaded her home.
One day, as Rose silently passed through the hallways, she overheard Sirius and James engaged in a conversation, their laughter echoing off the walls. Their voices reached her ears, carrying the weight of a joke she could not comprehend. "I swear, Sirius, our little Rose might turn out to be a squib after all!" James chuckled, amusement lacing his words.
The words "squib" held no meaning for Rose, and she did not care to unravel their significance. Ignoring the whispered doubts and misguided humor, she continued towards the library, determined to immerse herself in her studies. Words on pages became her companions, knowledge her armor against the ignorance that surrounded her.
Her passion for herbology, in particular, began to flourish. The wisdom contained within the ancient tomes spoke to her soul, guiding her toward an understanding of the magical plants that thrived in the wild. As Rose learned to harness the power of herbology, she discovered that her newfound knowledge could aid her in her interactions with the creatures that roamed the Scottish landscapes.
In the depths of the wild, Rose encountered creatures that would send shivers down the spines of even the bravest of witches and wizards. Fae creatures, elusive and powerful, became her confidants and partners in the delicate dance between the human world and the magical realm.
The kelpies, enchanting water-dwelling creatures, beckoned to Rose from the depths of lochs and rivers. With her understanding of herbology, she offered them gifts of delicate water lilies and sacred herbs, forging alliances that granted her safe passage through their territories. In return, the kelpies whispered secrets of hidden underwater caverns and untold treasures, sharing the untamed magic of the water with their newfound friend.
Baobhan Sith, the vampiric seductresses of the night, proved to be formidable companions in Rose's nocturnal journeys. With a careful blend of potions and herbal concoctions, Rose ensured their loyalty, offering them the sustenance they craved in exchange for their protection and guidance. In their presence, Rose learned to navigate the darkness with a grace and stealth that would have made even the most skilled spies envious.
The Nuckelavee, a grotesque and fearsome creature with a horse's body and a human torso, tested Rose's courage and resourcefulness. Armed with her knowledge of magical plants, she concocted an ointment that shielded her from its deadly touch. Through clever negotiation and an understanding of the creature's weaknesses, Rose earned its respect, and in turn, it taught her the secrets of the land, unveiling hidden paths and concealed realms.
Rose's encounters with the ocean and forest spirits were ethereal and transformative. Ocean sprites danced on the crests of waves, their laughter mingling with the salty breeze. Through shared melodies and offerings of sea roses, Rose formed bonds with these ephemeral beings, earning their protection and the gift of their enchanting songs.
In the depths of ancient forests, Rose found herself face to face with forest spirits, guardians of the woodland realm. By demonstrating her reverence for the sacred groves and showing her dedication to the preservation of magical flora, she earned their trust. They became her silent guides, whispering ancient incantations and revealing the secrets of the forest's hidden enchantments.
Within these interactions with fae creatures and spirits, Rose discovered the delicate balance between respect, knowledge, and the exchange of favors. Her affinity for herbology and her willingness to learn the subtle language of nature allowed her to navigate even the most dangerous encounters, forging alliances with creatures that would terrify most.
In her wanderings, Rose had encountered a unique creature known as an Urisk. This enigmatic being, with its wild and rugged appearance, had become her steadfast companion in the depths of the Scottish wilderness. The Urisk possessed a half-human, half-goat form, with tangled hair and piercing green eyes that mirrored Rose's own.
The Urisk, in its gentle yet reclusive nature, revealed to Rose the existence of a secret court of Sith in the ancient village of Skara Brae. Intrigued by the prospect of discovering more about the hidden realm of the fae, Rose listened intently as the Urisk recounted the tales of this secretive gathering. Its voice, a melodic blend of whispers and earthy tones, stirred her curiosity and ignited a longing within her soul.
One moonlit night, as Rose sat by the fire with her Urisk companion, their conversation turned to Skara Brae. "Tell me more about this secret court of Sith in Skara Brae," Rose implored, her voice soft yet filled with an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
The Urisk's eyes twinkled with a mischievous light as it leaned closer, its voice a hushed murmur. "Skara Brae, young Rose, is a place where the veils between the realms are thin. It is said that in the heart of the ancient village, hidden beneath the stones, lies a hidden court of Sith. Only those with the truest of intentions and a keen sense of magic can find their way to this elusive gathering."
Rose's heart raced with anticipation, her spirit yearning to unlock the secrets of Skara Brae. With unwavering determination, she struck a daring deal with a dangerous selkie, known for its deceitful and unpredictable nature.
"I seek passage to the Orkney Islands," Rose declared, her voice steady and unwavering. "In exchange for my guidance, I offer you a pearl of great worth, crafted by the ocean's depths."
The selkie's eyes gleamed with avarice as it considered Rose's proposition. "A simple pearl?" it hissed, its voice laden with slyness. "Those waters hold treacherous creatures, I require something of more value," it paused, its black skin rippling, "Give me the memories of your family, those cretins you once yearned for so."
By this time, at the tender age of nine, Rose had ceased returning to Potter Manor altogether. It was not a conscious decision on her part; the once-familiar place simply held no value or connection for her anymore. The decision was too easy.
And so, a deal was struck, memories were taken and Rose embarked on the perilous journey alongside the selkie. Braving treacherous waves and monsters of the sea to reach the fabled isles of Orkney.