Living as an orphan and bouncing around foster homes took up most of Lotus's childhood until she was 8, when her grandparents finally took custody of her.
Her mother? Abandoned her and her father.
Her father? Was killed during his nightshift. Lotus was only 3 when it happened, Leo took her with him on his nightshift, and she saw something happen, and now he was dead.
Witch Spells
That was the title of the book Lotus read on July 24th. It was those typical childish books you'd find in Target and pick up as a fun read. Something children will eventually grow out of comes adolescence, when their tastes evolve into more "mature" stories—ones filled with complicated characters, thrilling plots, and deeper meanings. But for Lotus, the book wasn't just a fleeting amusement. She had picked it up on a whim, expecting nothing more than a simple distraction. Yet, as she flipped through the pages, something about the story lingered. Maybe it was the way the protagonist saw the world with unshaken wonder, or how the words, though simple, carried a warmth she hadn't felt in a while. By the time she turned the last page, the world outside felt dimmer, duller. The book was meant for children, yet it left an ache in her chest, a reminder of something she couldn't quite name. And as she set it down, Lotus realized she wasn't ready to grow out of it just yet.
It reminded her of her past. Everyone used to ignore her when she tried to explain, but when she was 5, her father had been killed by a wizard. That's right. Most people would laugh too, or claim it was her way of coping with the accident. Being a security guard for a very popular museum meant that he'd run into people wanting to steal things, and that night there just happened to be someone much more powerful than him. She had been there, had seen this "someone" whip out what looked to be a wand, yell something unintelligible, and then bam !-- Her dad was dead. Authorities claimed he had been shot, but she swore it was different. After years of therapy and bouncing around foster homes, she eventually settled with her paternal grandfather and grandmother, who were wonderful after the stupid people she's had beforehand.
"Lotus, kiddo! Come downstairs!" She perked up from her spot on the bed and hummed.
"Coming, Gramps!" She inserted the bookmark between the pages, before setting it on her bed and hurrying downstairs. "What's going on? Did you need me for something?"
'Grandpa Rich' and 'Grandma Wisteria' greeted her. "Yes, it's time for breakfast, silly." Wisteria beams.
"Do eat your food." Rich pleaded. "I know it's been tough to eat as of late, that with your condition, but please..."
Lotus's smile faded slightly, but she sighed, nodding. "Alright- I- I can try my best." Sitting opposite of them, she assessed the food her grandfather had cooked: Two fried eggs, three pieces of bacon, and a moderate amount of rice. Her stomach rumbled in both hunger and hesitation. It's not like she had a personal problem with eating, it's just that... it's tough to in general. It's hard to stomach the food she eats, even if it's healthy. Still, her spoon digs into the eggs, and she eats. Listening in on her grandparents talking, it was a little better. After a moment, she sets her spoon down, glancing up at them.
"So.. about my school…" She started. Rich glanced at Wisteria, before clearing his throat.
"Yes.. about school." He frowns. "See… we couldn't get you into the school you wanted. We're so sorry, Lotus–"
"No! No.. don't be." Lotus waved her hands frantically. She had known they struggled to fund her dreams, but she couldn't blame them, because they had done so much for her already. "Really. It's okay."
"It isn't. You're a bright and smart girl and you deserve a good school to fuel that beautiful mind of yours." Wisteria argued. "It's a shame we could only put you in the school nearby." Lotus's face scrunched at that– Ginger Public School. Hell, but for middle schoolers. She had made a few friends in her elementary school who had older siblings who went to Ginger, and all of them said it was awful and poorly funded. She clenched her fists.
"It's not fair." Lotus perked up immediately afterwards. "Th- That wasn't meant towards you two, I'm sorry- just… life's unlucky sometimes, huh? It's okay."
She tried for a weak smile. "I'll manage. I'll do as good as I can."
The breakfast was sent in silence save for Rich sorting through the envelopes. However, Rich froze when he noticed one specific letter. He looked up at Wisteria, before glancing at Lotus. "Lotus?"
"Mm?"
"Be a dear and run to the market to get us some groceries, will you? Here, take some cash…" Rich reached into his wallet, before sliding over 30 dollars to his confused granddaughter. She took it anyways, shrugging.
"Sure, I have nothing to do anyways… anything specific?"
He handed her a list of groceries. "Here you are, sweetie. We'll use these to cook tonight's dinner." Lotus nodded and hugged the two goodbye, before leaving the house. Wisteria waved through the window, then turned to rich, crossing her arms.
"Alright, Richard. I saw that glance, what's going on?" She questioned. "What's got you needing to shoo her away?"
Rich frowned and slid the letter over to her. "Wisteria, they… they've finally come." Confused, the elderly woman read the address. Her eyes went as wide as saucers.
"No… again?" She looks up at Rich. "What do we do? We can't let her go into that world.. It- it took Leo…"
"But if we don't tell her, at some point there will be more and more letters– and someone might even show up!" Rich noticed her worry and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Wisteria. I think we should tell her at dinner… and if she has any doubts, we need to guide her through this. We will not fail this time."
Wisteria nods. "Yes, yes… Leo would've wanted this."
Rich's eyes crinkled into a sad smile. "He would've." The two stood there for a moment, holding each other as they stared at the letter.
"That was weird," Lotus murmured, skipping down the crosswalk and into the supermarket. Frank's Fresh Goods was on a sign above her as she entered, lathered in faded red paint. "What first?"
She took out the list, glancing at the options:
Pork belly
Garlic
Bay leaves
Vinegar
Soy Sauce
Peppercorn
"Hold on, are we making pork adobo for dinner?" She rose an eyebrow, grinning. "Let's go! I love that food! Ugh, Granny and Gramps are the best! I'll make sure to pick the best ingredients!" She hurried down the frozen meats section. Meanwhile, a figure lurked nearby.
He gritted his teeth. "Spawn of the traitor." He murmured to himself. Following after her, he slowly brandished a wand, making sure no one was watching- not even the tired teenager working the deli.
Lotus suddenly felt something bad, and glanced over, eyes widening as she saw the man. He was tall, had blonde hair, and a scowl that stabbed her heart, drenching it in cold, cold fear. Frowning, she stood aside, thinking he had wanted the bread and that she was so rudely stepping in the way.
"Lotus Inag." The man drew out her name in a way that made her shiver in disgust.
"H– How do you know my name..?" Lotus asked, slowly backing away. With each step back, he followed with one step forward. "Who are you?" And why do you look so familiar?
"You don't remember me?" 'Mr. Evil' mocked. "Oh, how terrible. You don't remember the very man who killed your father ?" He saw the fear well up in her eyes. Immediately, she tried to run, but he flicked his wrist.
"Petrificus Totalus!" He watched Lotus crumple to the ground, body still.
Lotus's eyes were trained on him, begging her lips to scream for help and yet found that she could not will her body into moving. What was this, magic? Oh God, maybe she should've finished reading that book earlier…
"No need to cry. I've simply come to finish my job. I had to kill that traitor." He drew out, strutting over to her. He placed the heel of his shoe against her hand, pressing hard.
The girl wanted to cry. The shoe hurt so fucking bad, and yet again she couldn't. She was going to die here, in Frank's Fresh Goods, with nobody paying attention, cold and hungry, and to some guy with a dumb looking wand and a dumber-looking face.
Then suddenly, the man (and ironically her) froze when a deep voice taunted from behind.
"If I were you I wouldn't even hurt a hair on her head, Alistair."
'Alistair' turned around. His cold smile had dropped upon seeing yet another man (cloaked in black as well, Lotus thinks, what's up with weird magic people wearing all black? ) storm over to them.
"Se-"
"Expelliarmus!" The second man shouts, sending Alistair flying into the wall. Lotus looked up at him as he stared down at her, with a nasty look.
'Dang.. what did I do to you?' She thought as he murmured something, and with a flick of his wand she could feel movement all over again. She quickly stood up and, like the coward she was, hid behind the guy as Alistair slowly stood up, coughing.
"Severus, another traitor. I could kill you where you're standing and Lord Voldemort would be so pleased-"
"Oh, please." He mocked. "The Dark Lord is long gone and you're just desperately clinging onto the past." Severus turned to Lotus. As soon as she thought Alistair would hurt the two of them with another long sounding spell name, there was another wizard who disarmed Alistair. "You, child," he spoke sharply, his words pronounced. "Dumbledore had sent me to ensure you had gotten your letter. Did you or did you not?"
Lotus must've been staring with an expression that looked like a fish out of water, because Severus sighed afterwards. "I guess that means no. Listen here and listen well, return home and get it. Then you must come or else you risk your life. Go on. Lead the way, I have to come with you."
"I- I…" Lotus squeaked, watching the other wizard deal with the poor teenager who had seen the ordeal ( "Obliviate!" He had said, and her eyes suddenly glazed over with an unfamiliar look. Lotus noted this ) and quickly picked up her bag.
"... Okay- but… –OH RIGHT! THE GROCERIES!" Sorry, Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome, but my food comes first!
Severus stared at her with a look of loathing in his eyes, yet he stayed silent and accompanied her.
On the way home, she ran the events through her mind over and over again while also trying to ignore Severus following behind her.
Some wizard wanted to kill her. That wizard killed her father .
Lotus froze, her blood seething with rage. That wizard had murdered her father. How dare he? What had her father ever done to deserve such a fate? And why did Alistair keep calling him a traitor? That couldn't be true—could it? Her father wasn't a bad man… was he?
She gripped her arm, reprimanding herself of such heinous thoughts. Her father had been a kind and loving man, especially to her. If given the opportunity he spoiled her rotten. He was the one who gave her a love of astronomy and all things fantasy and arts. Every night after she mourned him (even when she didn't understand at first) she would imagine his soothing voice telling her about the planets, about how Earth was such a beautiful place to live in, how everything was worth protecting. She would repeat it in her mind, and that's how she grew to be "such a brave, kind girl" as most people said about her.
… And yet, a seedling of doubt planted into her mind. She could conclude from all the context clues that this "Dark Lord" and "Voldemort" were the same person. And the way Alistair raged on, it seems that he wasn't a good person. Alistair called her father and Severus traitors, which must mean they worked for him at some point.
Yeah, Lotus! A part of her mind reasoned. See, your father isn't some terrible guy, at least not anymore! He fled and had you.
Did this mean she was a wizard? No.. a witch?
If the circumstance weren't so terrifying nor confusing, she'd be jumping for joy. Lotus walked into her house, calling out with a shaky tone. "I'm home. And.. t– there's a guest."
"Lotus, sweetie, come, come!" Wisteria brought her over. Her eyes widened as she saw Severus. "Mr. Snape." She added kindly.
"Mrs. Inag." He replied cooly.
Lotus looked at the two. "Hold on, how do you know him?!"
"We'll explain to you later, sweetie." She brought the two over to the kitchen. Lotus noticed Rich sitting there at the kitchen still, a letter tucked under his arm. That must be my letter, she thought.
Severus, Rich, and Wisteria all stared at each other, and Lotus was about to feel uncomfortable when Rich spoke up.
"Let's teach you how to make pork adobo, since you're old enough and trustworthy." He smiled. Lotus silently nodded. Rich's smile faltered slightly, sensing something must be wrong, but he shrugged it off and had her bring the groceries over. Severus sat down, feeling a twinge of impatience.
"Gramps?"
"Yes, kiddo?"
Lotus's hand fidgets as she washes the dishes. She stared hard into her reflection on the gleaming plate. Ever since she had been immobilized, her hands never really seemed to keep calm. Maybe it was affecting her… affliction.
"Lotus?" Rich spoke, snapping her out of it. Wisteria, who was drying the dishes, frowns in worry. She glanced at Snape, who had been silently eating the adobo (as Wisteria had invited him to). He looked like he was trying to avoid conversation unless necessary.
"Y- Yes! Sorry. Uhm… Did you guys.. Get a letter address to me?" She asked nervously. They're gonna say no, they're gonna– wait, huh? She stared at their faces, which displayed shock.
"How did you know?" Rich asked carefully. Lotus turned the faucet off, setting the plate down before she dropped it. She turned to him, eyes welling up in tears. His voice softens, holding her trembling hands. "Lotus, is everything okay?" Wisteria walked over, wrapping an arm around the child's shoulder.
"I- well.." She sniffled. "I was getting the groceries, and then some idiot magic-wizard guy called Alistair used this spell to make me all… frozen and he called Dad a traitor and he wanted to kill me and that guy over there stopped him and freedmeandthenheasked- "
"Woah, calm down, shhh, it's okay." Wisteria pressed a kiss to her forehead, rubbing her cheek fondly with her other hand. "Say that last part again slowly."
Lotus nodded. "Sorry… uhm, uhm… this guy named Severus… he saved me and he and this other wizard took Alistair away- though Severus told me 'Dumbledore' sent him to make sure I got my letter and to make sure I do receive it. What does this mean? I'm so confused!" She cried out.
A hint of pity overtook Rich's eyes. "Kiddo… hey. Sit down, we have to tell you everything." Lotus nodded again, sitting down. Wisteria drew up two chairs, each adult sitting on each side. Rich ran a hand through his greying hair, sighing. "See.. when Leo… your father, I mean… when he was your age, he was accepted by Hogwarts. That's.. A school, you see. For wizards and witches. Your father was a Slytherin, cunning and confident, ambitious and resourceful. He was smart and knew so much."
Both he and Wisteria smiled fondly at the memory, meanwhile Snape scoffed.
"However, when… You-Know Who was rising into power, your father unfortunately chose his side. To this day we do not know why, but he did. He ended up hurting so many people. But near the end of You-Know-Who's life, he turned over a new leaf and helped Albus Dumbledore, making him promise to keep his children safe if anything happened to him, and fled to America to escape. It seems now that his past is catching up, and unfortunately you are suffering for it." Rich frowns, before handing her the letter. "Here, you should take this."
Lotus just sat there, unable to reply.
So it's true. Her father had been a bad person, at least later on. But he was smart and a… Slither-in? Whatever. At least he stopped following Voldemort.
"I hate to be so rude," Snape said in a tone that felt like quite the opposite, "but I believe it's imperative you read this letter and reply to it."
She looked down, wiping her tears as she picked up the letter, reading it.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Ms. Inag,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We wait for your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
𝑀𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓇𝓋𝒶 𝑀𝒸𝒢𝑜𝓃𝒶𝑔𝒶𝓁𝓁
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Lotus stared. "This.. isn't real." She looked up at the two. "No, no, this is definitely real, huh?"
They both nodded. She flipped to the second page and kept reading.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for wear day
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter coat (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
By Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic
By Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory
By Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration
By Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
By Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions
By Arsenic Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
By Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
By Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Yours sincerely,
𝐿𝓊𝒸𝒾𝓃𝒹𝒶 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓂𝓈𝑜𝓃𝒾𝒸𝓁𝑒-𝒫𝑜𝒸𝓊𝓈
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions
Lotus frowns. "Aw, wait, no broomsticks? Not fair, I totally wanted to have a sick, cool ride to Hogwarts."
"Ah, well, you go by train in London, if I remember," Rich said.
"Huh. Oh- wait! Wait a minute, some of these books look familiar."
"That's because they were your father's copy," Wisteria explained. "You were quite fond of reading fantasy, so we lent it to you, hoping Hogwarts… never would invite you. But.. I suppose we shouldn't have wishful thinking, hm?"
Snape gave a cold look, though it didn't hold any real value of anger.
"Oh.. but- uh… I don't imagine we can waltz into Target and ask for a stupid telescope- oh wait, we can. Uhh… I dunno, some of this stuff seems… unattainable." Lotus said.
"Here, at least." Wisteria agreed. "And yes, we can't pay with our own money. But it's okay, we still have some of these books from when your father was in school, so that crosses off the books."
"Must be well-kept if I can still have them." She says. "Though I don't mind second-hand stuff… still, even then, you're right- you can't- we can't pay for this."
Rich grins, his eyes displaying a hint of adventure. "We can't. But your father still has some.. Currency in his account."
"Oh. I guess we could stop by Chase Bank or something…"
"No, sweetie. It's.. somewhere a bit more complicated. But don't worry! Mr. Snape here can help you with this, right?" Wisteria smiled.
"It is my job, I have to make sure you understand." He explains. "So do you accept, Ms. Inag? It would make your father's promise useless if you didn't."
"I… what about.." Lotus whimpered, looking at Rich and Wisteria.
Wisteria's eyes grew misty, and Rich had a forlorn expression on his face, but he quickly masked it with a hearty laugh and a pat on the back. "Just write back to us if you can. It might do you good if you stay the entire school-year, though."
Lotus jumped up, hugging the two of them tightly. She felt the waterworks come back, as she sniffled, tightening her hold and yet making sure it doesn't injure them. "I will! I promise I will!" After some reassurances, she pulled back and turned to Snape. "Okay… what do I do now?"
"Now I must take you to Diagon Alley." He replied, standing up. "Go get packed if you must, though I doubt you need anything besides your hand-me-downs from your father."
The girl nods, not wanting to irritate Snape further. She rushed upstairs with Wisteria following her.
Rich looked at Snape. "Severus." He spoke softly. Snape snapped his head over.
"... Mr. Inag."
"My son…"
"Yes, Leonardo, he was quite a friendly and smart face as a Slytherin student. What about him?"
"... If Lotus were to end up in Slytherin, can you also make the promise to me to ensure she doesn't join the Death Eaters?" He pleaded. "I cannot have her die because of a dumb mistake."
The corner of Snape's lip twitched, before he nodded. "I can do that if you wish ."
Rich smiled a little. "Thank you, Severus."
An hour later, after Lotus finished packing, she was now standing outside of her home. Severus was behind her, impatient and yet patient enough to watch her bid her farewells. She hugged her grandparents one last time, tearing up.
"I'll write like you said! I'll write… e- every week! Or… uhm, every other week?" She stuttered.
"Sweetie, when your father was enrolled, he wrote every week. So I believe you can to, if you'd like." Wisteria hums, smoothing her hair over.
Lotus smiled. "Then I'll do that! And I promise I'll never forget to be kind to everyone!" She pulled away, picking up her bag and ran to Severus.
"Goodbye, Lotus!" Rich and Wisteria yell.
"Bye!!" She waved with her free hand, and turned to Severus. "Okay, Mr. Snape–"
"Professor Snape." He replied curtly, walking. She followed after him.
"Ah, sorry, Professor Snape– where do we go now?"
"Now we go to Diagon Alley. It's in London." Lotus's eyes widened in surprise.
"In London? But how are we gonna… oh! Why do you have a book?" She asked. She watched him hold it out.
"Hold on tight and don't let go." He warned. Not wanting to argue, she reached out, holding it. As soon as her fingers grasped the leather bindings, the world began to spin around them.
"WOAH!" She screams, gripping the book extra tightly as they traveled(?). The world warped and changed, clouds seemed to surround them, and she felt sick. Just as she was about to pass out, he suddenly shouts.
"Let go!"
"What-?! But you just said-"
"I know what I said. And now I say: let go."
Groaning, she pulled away, screaming louder as she started to fall? That's what it felt like. Suddenly, her feet touched the ground. Sorry, more like crashed into it. She hissed in pain as she fell on her butt while Snape slowly descended. "Ow! That hurt! What was that, anyways?!"
"A Portkey. A legal one. It's designed to take you from one place to another, disguised as an everyday object." He explains. "Get up. Come on." Lotus got up, dusting herself off as she followed him, clutching her bag.
"Portkey?" She snorts. "Sounds a little ridiculous. And what do you mean illegal? Are there risks? Probably, huh? I get it, I'd ban the creation of it if it harmed others-"
He stopped, looking at her with a glare. "I can tell you are intelligent, Ms. Inag, but I want you quiet right now. We're about to reach a public area and I'd kindly appreciate it if you didn't talk about wizardry."
"Yeah? Well, you look suspicious amongst the crowd of average folk." She frowns. He glared at her, before he kept walking. "Hey! It's true! I respect the outfit, you look cool in it, but it's true!" A few minutes later they stopped in front of a pub.
"Woww. What a neat bar. Or what do British people call it? A pub? Sorry." She says. He ignored her and walked inside. Lotus quickly followed inside.
In the pub, she saw a variety of odd faces. Witches from various countries, other wizards playing what looked to be an advanced form of chess with moving chess pieces (which she marveled at), tiny dwarves who drank heavily, and many more. The bar had an old feel to it, several windows shining in and yet the place looked dark as ever. There were pictures on the walls, but the pictures moved. Lotus stared at a group of people with broomsticks wearing unfamiliar jerseys.
She focused right back to the situation as Snape stopped in front of a bald, old, and hunched man picking up aa cup. He smiled politely with a toothless grin.
"Severus Snape," he spoke, voice trembling- maybe it was an illness? Or simply old age? "What have you got there? Or sorry, who have you got there? A new Muggle-Born student?"
"Indeed I do." he nods. "I simply am here to drop her off. She can figure the rest out on her own, I know she can."
Lotus blinks, stammering. "Ah, wait, HOLD IT YOU! You can't just drop me off and leave me! Grandma and you said it was your job to!"
Severus's mouth hid his scowl as he nodded curtly. "Oh my, it seems I have forgotten. Oh well, then, come along."
It was a blur, honestly, having to get used to all of these new places. The Leaky Cauldron, where Snape said she'd stay until it was time to get to King's Cross Station (and ultimately Platform 9 ), Diagon Alley, and all the various stores within it. He forbade her from entering Knockturn Alley (she swore she saw his expression shift into something unreadable in that instant). First he took her to Gringotts Wizarding Bank to get the money her father had as well as convert the money he saved from his job in the "Muggle World".
"Wow! This is… well, it's a fair sum." Lotus says. "More money I've seen in my entire life."
Severus snorted. "As you should."
They were funny people, the goblins who ran Gringotts. Stern and scary and quite ugly.
Next up was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. She was very excited and as a result got nicked a few times when Madam Malkin was measuring her. Lotus thought Malkin was quite kind.
"You do an outstanding job! These fit me quite nicely!" Lotus beams.
"Awww, aren't you just the kindest?" Malkin smiled back. Snape, of course, wasn't in the room at the time.
She was already seated with the books, so she skipped all of that. The cauldrons and potion supplies were next and Snape seemed insistent she knew which ones were good to buy and which ones weren't.
"I'm sorry, these look the exact same..-"
"But they are not, Inag. Listen closely, the quality here…"
When he's not acting like a complete closed off douchebag, Lotus thought he was kinda cute and interesting. She let him explain, of course, because she knew she was also quite the talker. The telescope also wasn't needed to buy, as that was another thing she happened to have on hand from her father. Now the pet, loosely used, was up next.
Lotus observed all the toads, owls, and cats, but none of them seemed to strike her fancy. "... I don't like any of them."
"Well you have to pick one." He grumbled. "Hurry up."
"If I may," the owner cuts in, leaning in to Lotus. "I see none of them have captured your attention. What about this owl?" He led her to another fancy looking cage. She gasped upon seeing a great horned owl.
"Woahh!! A great horned owl!" Lotus said. "It's from America, just like me! I'll take it– her? Him?"
"Him." He confirms. A small 'yippiee' escaped her lips as she clapped. Snape helped her pay for it, and she walked out with the cart holding her supplies and owl.
"I think I'll name him Jamie!" She says happily. Snape growls under his breath, and she caught 'James' in it. "Unless… you want me to pick something else?"
"Yes, preferably something else." He scoffed.
"Oh. Okay, uh… Marco Polo? S- So I can say like.. Marco! And he'll reply with a chirp or a hoot, and I'll be like 'Polo'! Heh.. heh… heh." She sagged, seeing his hateful expression. "Listen, I try to be funny, okay?"
He sighs. "Let's just get your wand." She seemed to get happy again.
"A wand!!"
Entering Ollivanders, she was immediately intrigued by the shelves upon shelves of wands. She noticed Snape staying behind, and grumbled. "Of course…" She suddenly yelped as a tall, old man with messy white hair approached her with an elderly smile and silvery eyes. Immediately she was reminded of her own Grandpa Rich, and she felt like hugging him- though that would've been too odd.
"Hello.. Ah, a new witch in search of her first wand, hm?" Lotus silently nods, looking at Snape as a child would look at their guardian during a doctor's checkup. Though Snape waved her off, as if saying 'you can handle this'.
She sighs, and looks back at Ollivander as he continued to speak, studying her carefully. "Yes, yes, there is power in you, but something else as well as… a touch of hardship, perhaps? No matter. Every wand finds its witch in the end."
Then came the long process of finding wands. Some caused her to almost blow up a shelf, some caused papers to scatter, and some she just dropped. As she dropped her fifth one, her face burned with extreme embarrassment and she felt like crying.
"I'm sorry, Ollivander," she murmured, "It's just– I don't have the best grip because of– of issues."
Ollivander nods, patting her back. "No matter, no matter. Let's see… Dragon heartstring would make a wonderful core for you, you know."
'Really? And you seriously let me fumble around like an idiot? I bet Professor Snape is trying not to laugh.' She thought with slight disdain. "Really..?"
"Yes! I see it in you. A powerful core– One that bonds fiercely with its master and produces strong, commanding magic. But such a core demands discipline…"
He nods to himself, then turns to the towering shelves, running his fingers along a row of wand boxes. "As for the wood… Something sturdy. Something resilient. Not flighty or unpredictable." His fingers pause over one section, and he carefully pulls down a box, setting it on the counter.
"Blackthorn. A wand for those who endure. It is not a wood that chooses lightly, but for a witch who has faced hardship, it will become an unwavering ally."
He watches for Lotus's reaction before placing another wand box beside it.
"Ebony, then? A wand of great independence and strength—unyielding, confident. If you desire to forge your path, Ebony will stand by you, no matter the road you take." Finally, he taps one last box with a knowing smirk.
"Walnut. Intelligent, quick to learn, ever adaptable. A wand that seeks a sharp mind and rewards its wielder with exceptional control."
He places his hands on the counter, looking Lotus in the eye. "Now, Miss Lotus… what speaks to you?"
Lotus bit her gum, thinking. "Y- You know, they seem cool and– and all.. But again, I don't think I can hold any… can I get my very own wand?"
Ollivander's eyes widen in interest. "Your own? I suppose you mean.. Custom made? Ah, but Miss Lotus, what do you have in mind-"
"A gun." The room was silent, Snape looking bewildered for once. "I- If you want. Wait- no! I take it back- no, I don't." Lotus stammered. "Y- You see, like… it's a wand.. But it's like.. inside or part of a shape that looks like a rifle? Gun?" She waved her hands. "And it has a handle, so I can have a better grip and… Sorry, this is stupid.."
But Ollivander… did not laugh.
Instead, his pale, silvery eyes gleamed with something far more dangerous.
Interest.
"Fascinating." He murmured, stepping closer, fingers clasped together. "A wand with a handle for control. A design tailored for precision, stability—ah, but not just any shape. A gun– a metal wand. A tool of force, of intent. And yet, you do not seek destruction."
He tilted his head slightly, as if seeing her in an entirely new light.
"No, no… You seek efficiency. Power, yes, but wielded with care. A grip that defies weakness. How… intriguing."
Ollivander paced to a high shelf, running his fingertips along the spines of aged wand boxes.
"This is no simple request, Miss Lotus," he mused. "A wand is a living thing—it must be free to breathe, to channel its magic unburdened by unnecessary restraints. But a handle… a carefully crafted extension… hmm."
He turned back to her suddenly.
"Tell me—your magic. Does it flow effortlessly? Or do you struggle with control?"
"I'll be perfectly honest with you, Mr. Ollivander," she began, "I've never once held a wand in my life nor have I used magic. Well, the wand's a lie. I've never held a real, operating magic wand and spoke legitimate spells. H- How much will this cost?"
Ollivander froze mid-step. Then, ever so slowly, he turned his head back toward her, looking somewhere between amused and utterly scandalized.
"Miss Lotus." His tone was almost offended. "I do not craft wands to be bartered like common trinkets."
"Sorry! Sorry- I know- Just-"
He strode back toward her, placing a long-fingered hand atop the counter.
"The wand chooses the wizard. Even in this… unusual case, it is not a matter of mere galleons. No—this will be an experiment. A challenge. A creation I have never attempted before. And if I succeed…" He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering to something reverent. "Then the cost is simple—" he tapped a bony finger against his chest, "—you must wield it well."
Snape made a noise—something between a scoff and a sigh—but didn't interrupt.
Ollivander straightened, brushing nonexistent dust from his sleeves. "However…" His gaze flickered to Lotus, keen as ever. "A core of dragon heartstring will not be cheap. Nor will the craftsmanship of such a design. If you wish to pay in coin, the price will be steep."
His fingers drummed once against the wood of the counter. "Now… let us find the wood that will take to you."
"Okay, but... what's the coin price?" She asked.
Ollivander tilted his head, regarding her with an unreadable expression.
"For a wand like this?" He tapped his fingers rhythmically against the counter, calculating.
"The craftsmanship alone will be… delicate. Precise. The materials—dragon heartstring, a sturdy yet responsive wood, a reinforced handle without disrupting the magic flow…" He trailed off, his eyes narrowing in thought.
Then, he looked her in the eye. "At least 50 Galleons, if not more."
Snape let out the faintest hiss of disapproval beside her.
Lotus felt her stomach drop. That was a lot of money.
Ollivander, ever perceptive, caught her hesitation immediately. "This is no ordinary wand, Miss Lotus," he continued. "It will take time, at least a month, and it will take skill. If cost is an issue, I suggest a standard wand—"
He paused, studying her, then smiled—just a little. "—but I don't believe that is what you want."
She shook her head. "No. That's not what I want. Okay! I can do it. I can.. Pay the price. And.. I think I'll choose Blackthorn– no. I'll let Blackthorn.. Choose me..?"
"Wise choice, Miss Lotus!" He praised, patting her back. "In that case, you may pay upfront and I will get ready to make your wand. Do come back in.. around a month, so that should be at least a week before you must depart to Hogwarts."
She nodded, reaching into her bag of coins to scavenge the 50 Galleons. She was so glad her dad was loaded in both Muggle and Wizarding World…
Lotus was now alone in her booked room in The Leaky Cauldron. She folded her arms over her chest, frowning. It felt so… lonely to be, well, alone. She didn't like it.
Snape had shortly dropped her off after visiting Ollivanders, told her to wait a month and gave her the address to King's Cross Station, and then left. Leaning on her side, she stared at her owl, Marco Polo, picking at his feathers. Lotus sighed, before she felt a headache.
"Oh, no.." she reached out for the medicine in her bag right next to her bed, only to shudder in agony. She felt boneless as she fell onto the ground with a loud thud (hopefully not alerting any housekeepers or Tom himself) and twitched, coughing. She shakily sat up, sorting through the bag and eventually taking out a bottle of pills. She popped two in her mouth before swallowing them down with water, and then felt the calm and bliss of no-more-pain wash over her. She leaned against the bed.
Okay, Lotus. You have to be independent and responsible. Lotus looked at the books, picking one up. This specific book had been owned by her father (there was more she learned today than ever, and she wasn't sure how okay she felt with that).
Curses and Counter-Curse
Although not quite like the book ' Witch Spells' that she had been reading just earlier today, it was a good read and quite literally the same thing in its core aspects. She hums, flipping through the pages.
She didn't know how she'd manage living in this world, but she'd try her best.