July 31st, 1991 - Harry's Birthday
The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains of Hagrid's hut, casting a warm golden glow across the wooden walls. Elara stirred in the large cot, the quilt Hagrid had tucked around her sliding to the floor as she sat up. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, looking over to see Hagrid bustling around the tiny kitchen area, humming an off-key tune.
"Mornin', Elara," Hagrid greeted, glancing over his shoulder with a wide grin. "Sleep alright?"
Elara nodded, though the faint puffiness under her eyes hinted at a restless night. "Better than I have in a long time, actually."
"Good, good," Hagrid replied, his tone softening. "We've got a busy day ahead, we do. Gonna meet someone special today."
Elara tilted her head curiously. "Special?"
Hagrid turned, holding a steaming mug of tea in one hand and a plate of toast in the other. "Aye, Harry Potter. Ever heard the name?"
Elara's brow furrowed, and she shook her head. "I don't think so. Not till last last night."
"Well, that's no surprise," Hagrid said, setting the plate and mug down in front of her. "He's famous in our world, the wizarding world that is. But to him, well... he don't know much 'bout it yet. Poor lad's had it rough. Today's his birthday, same as you, nearly—just a day after!"
Elara blinked, processing this. "So, he's eleven too?"
"Right. Same as yeh," Hagrid said, pulling a chair over to sit across from her. "Harry's got a story, he does—more like a legend, really. But don't go thinkin' he's anythin' other than a boy who's been through a lot, just like you. Reckon you two might get along."
A quiet smile tugged at Elara's lips, though her eyes were clouded with thought. "Does he not have anyone to celebrate with, either?"
Hagrid hesitated, a shadow passing over his face. "I reckon not. That's why we're goin' to fetch him. He belongs at Hogwarts, same as you do. It's time for both of yeh to find yer place."
Elara nodded, the idea settling in her chest like a warm ember. For the first time, she didn't feel entirely alone, and now maybe this boy wouldn't either.
To Hagrid, the ride to the Hut-on-the-Rock (where the Dursleys had been hiding) was long and uneventful, though he tried to lighten the mood with his usual ramblings about magical creatures. To Elara, on the other hand, the trip was magical. She had never been on a flying motorcycle before. She listened intently and occasionally glanced up at the towering figure beside her, finding comfort in his presence.
As they landed on the sad excuse for an island, Hagrid's cheerful demeanor darkened, matching the storm that surged around them. "This is the place," he muttered, gesturing to the most miserable little shack you could imagine.
Elara's gaze swept over the house. "It doesn't feel... right," she said quietly.
Hagrid sighed. "It ain't. But don't you worry—we're takin' Harry somewhere better."
He strode up to the door, Elara following close behind, her heart pounding with anticipation. Hagrid's massive fist rapped against the door, the sound thundering through the neglected shack.
No answer.
Hagrid knocked again, louder this time. Still, silence. A flicker of irritation crossed his face, and he reached into his coat, pulling out his pink umbrella.
"What are you—" Elara started, but Hagrid gave her a reassuring wink before pointing the umbrella at the door. With a loud blast, the door blew off its hinges.
Elara stared up at him with wide eyes as Hagrid ducked through the doorway, met by fearful screams from inside.
"Sorry about that." He said casually, tucking his umbrella back in his coat. Harry and the Dursleys stared up at him more shocked than Elara.
She followed him timidly and watched as he picked the door up from the ground and placed it back in its spot.
"I demand that you leave at once!" Mr. Dursley yelled from the stairs, angrily gripping a rifle with his wife at his side. "You are breaking and entering!"
Elara stood alert and anxious as Hagrid walked over to them, unphased. They trembled as he came in closer. "Dry up, Dursley, you great prune," Hagrid said in annoyance, and he gripped the rifle's barrel. With one hand, he bent it upwards, and a shot fired, blowing a hole in the roof.
Now that Hagrid was no longer in danger, Elara let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. It was then that she took in her surroundings.
Apart from the sudden commotion, the house was eerily quiet. As she looked around, she saw one boy fearfully backed against a wall and another smaller boy about her age hiding around the hearth's corner.
Hagrid approached the first boy, "I haven't seen you since you was a baby Harry, but you're a bit more along than I would've expected. Particularly right in the middle." he laughed, patting his own stomach in reference.
The boy looked up at him, trembling and terrified. "I-I-I'm not Harry." he stuttered out.
Then, the other boy came out from his hiding place. His short, messy dark hair and oversized clothes made him look smaller than he actually was. He blinked at the sight of Hagrid and Elara, his green eyes wide behind round glasses. "I am." He said.
"Well of course you are!" Hagrid replied, "I've got somethin' for ya. 'Fraid I might've sat on it at some point but I imagine it'll taste fine just the same." He handed Harry a white box adorned with a messy blue ribbon. "Baked it meself, words and all." Hagrid beamed proudly.
Harry flipped it open to reveal a pink frosted cake with green lettering that read, 'Happy Birthday, Harry.' "Thank you," he said earnestly, looking back up at Hagrid. In that split second, Elara thought that perhaps he, too, had never celebrated his birthday before.
"It's not every day yer young man turns eleven now, is it, eh?" Hagrid smiled before making himself comfortable on the couch. He took out his pink umbrella again and pointed it at the fireplace, shooting fireballs to light it. Harry's eyes grew wide, and the Dursleys eyed each other nervously.
Slowly, Harry placed the cake down, refusing to take his eyes off Hagrid. "Excuse me, who are you?" he inquired curiously.
"Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts." He looked at Harry, "Of course you know all about Hogwarts."
"Sorry, no." Harry shook his head lightly.
"No?" Hagrid furrowed his eyebrows and tilted his head in confusion as if he was sure he misheard. "Blimey Harry, didn't you ever wonder where yer mum and dad learned it all?"
"Learned what?"
"You're a wizard Harry,"
"I-I'm a what?" Harry asked, his eyes widening once more.
"A wizard. And a thumpin' good one I'd wager, once you're trained up a little." Hagrid beamed.
"No, you've made a mistake, I mean...Ican't be a-awizard. I mean I'm just... Harry. Just Harry." he replied in humble shock.
Elara watched the interaction this was the usual reaction.
Hagrid smiled back at the boy and nodded knowingly. "Well,just Harry,did yeh ever make anythin' happen? Anythin' you couldn't explain when yeh were angry, or scared?"
Harry stared off as if in realization, and Hagrid nodded once more. Standing up from the couch, he finally handed Harry his letter. "Dear Mr. Potter," Harry started, "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." he looked up at Hagrid in wonder before Mr. Dursley stormed over.
"He willnotbe going! We swore we'd put a stop to all this rubbish!" He shouted.
"Youknew?" Harry asked angrily, glaring at the Dursleys. "You knewallalong and you never told me?"
"Of course, we knew," Mrs. Dursley answered with crossed arms. Her voice was barely above a whisper, and her tone was laced with disgust. "How could you not be? Myperfectsister being who she was." She scoffed, and Harry narrowed his eyes, "My mother and father were soproudthe day she gotherletter. 'We have awitchin the family. Isn't it wonderful?' I was the only one to see her for what she was. Afreak!"She forced out the last word with so much venom, it's a wonder it wasn't poison itself. "Then she met that Potter, and then she had you, and I knew you would be the same. Just asstrange...just asabnormal. And then she went and got herselfblown up,andwegot landed withyou."She spat.
"Blown up?!"Harry raised his voice in disbelief, his eyebrows creasing in anger. "You told me my parents died in acar crash."
"Acar crash?!"Hagrid butted in as if he'd just been deeply insulted by the most rubbish thing he'd ever heard. "Acar crashkilled Lilly and James Potter?!"
Mrs. Dursley whispered an explanation, "We had to say something—"
"It's an outrage! It's a scandal!" Hagrid yelled with tears in his eyes.
Mr. Dursley squinted at him, "He'llnotbe going."
"Ohoho, and I s'pose a great muggle like yerself's gonna stop him are you?" Hagrid mocked flippantly.
"Muggle?" Harry questioned the unfamiliar word, and Elara's ears perked up as well.
"Non-magic folk," Hagrid answered. "This boy's had his name down e'er since he were born!" he argued again. "He's going to thefinestschool of witchcraft and wizardry in the worldandhe'll be under the finest Headmaster that Hogwarts has ever seen!Albus Dumbledore."His eyes twinkled in pride and admiration.
Harry was filled with wonder at the mention of the name and bit his lips in excitement. Elara studied him carefully from the comfort of her corner, where she'd more or less gone unnoticed. She wondered for a moment if this was the first time anyone had ever stood up for Harry. She could see it, a new sparkle in his eye as if he wasfinallyworth something. A feeling she knew all too well.
"I will not pay to have somecrackpotold fool teach him magic tricks!" Mr. Dursley yelled.
"Never..."Hagrid started, his tone dangerous as he pointed his umbrella to Mr. Dursley's throat, "insultAlbus Dumbledorein front ofme."There was an intense pause as Hagrid's glare bore into Mr. Dursley until his son caught his eye. The boy had snuck over to Harry's cake and began stuffing his face. With a flick of his wrist, a spell shot from Hagrid's umbrella, and a pig tail sprouted out of the boy's bottoms.
The Dursleys screamed in horror as the boy ran around frantically. Harry and Hagrid laughed, but Elara stayed silent, her gaze still fixed on is Dumbledore to make him so livid?From everything she had learned of the gentle giant, she never expected that kind of anger. It seemed too uncharacteristic for the joyful, sensitive man who had saved her.
Hagrid winked at Harry and leaned in to whisper, "I'd appreciate it if yeh, uh, didn't tell anyone at Hogwarts 'bout that. Strictly speaking I'm notallowedtodomagic."
Harry nodded, "Okay,"
Hagrid pulled out a gold pocket watch and checked the time, "Oh, uh, we're a bit behind schedule. Best be off." Hagrid walked to the door and threw it back on the ground. He looked back at Harry, who hadn't moved a muscle. "Unless you'd ratherstay,of course?" Hagrid raised an eyebrow and went back out into the storm.
Elara waited for Harry, watching him quietly from her corner. With one look back, Harry made his choice, and they both followed Hagrid.
"I'm glad yer with us, Harry," Hagrid said warmly, his expression softening. "I know it was kinda a rough start there, but I'd like to properly introduce yeh to someone." He gestured to Elara. "This here's Elara. You two are gon' be classmates at Hogwarts, and her birthday was yesterday."
Harry's gaze shifted to Elara, and she offered a small, tentative smile. "Hi," she said softly.
"Hi," Harry replied in a similar smile, his voice just as quiet.
For a moment, the three of them stood there, a sense of unspoken stories filling the space between them. Then, Hagrid cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
"Well, what d'yeh say we get goin'? Got a lot to do today."
Harry nodded, and together, they flew off and into a world where, for the first time, they both felt like they might belong.
As they walked the cobblestone streets of London, Harry read the requirements list for Hogwarts. "All students must be equipped with... one standard size 2 pewter cauldron... and may bring, if they desire, either an owl, a cat, or a toad." Harry looked up at Hagrid in bewilderment, "Can we find all of this inLondon?"
Hagrid leaned in with a twinkle in his eye, "If you know where to go."
They arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, an unremarkable plain black entrance that seemed almost no one would take note of. Hagrid creaked open the door and headed inside, the two 11-year old's following in suit. Upon entering, the silence was quickly filled with a cacophony of chatter amidst the tavern-like interior. It was a dark pub with minimal sunlight shining through the window, the atmosphere cemented by candles.
"Ah, Hagrid! The usual, I presume?" The bartender asked with a smile.
"No thanks, Tom, I'm on officialHogwartsbusiness." He looked down at the children beside him and placed one hand on each of their shoulders. "Just helping young Elara and Harry here buy school supplies."
"Bless my soul..." the bartender breathed out, eyes wide, "It's Harry Potter!"
Almost immediately, the idle chatter surrounding them faded to a hush. Elara tensed as everyone turned their attention towards them.
"Welcome back, Mr. Potter. Welcome back." An old man with a black top hat shook Harry's hand. The boy offered an awkward smile in return, and around them, conversations slowly started back up—mostin commentary of the boy. He continued forward, however, he was only afforded a single step before being pulled to another handshake.
"Doris Crockford, Mr. Potter. I can'tbelieveI'm meeting you at last." Said an elderly woman with a beret.
"HarryP-Potter. C-can't tell you how pleased I am to meet you." smiled a nervous man with a purple turban. Harry raised his eyebrows.
"Hello, Professor. I didn't see yeh there." Hagrid greeted. "Harry, Elara, this is Professor Quirrell. He'll be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts."
"Oh, nice to meet you." Harry held out his hand, but Professor Quirrell moved to clasp his own to his chest. Elara glanced at Harry's hand and back to the Professor, wondering about the a guy who seems like such a big fan, I'm surprised he didn't want a handshake, like all the others did.
"F-fearfully f-fascinating subject. N-not that you n-need it, e-eh, Potter?" The man stuttered out awkwardly.
"Yes, well, must be goin' now," Hagrid cleared his throat, "Lots to buy."
"Goodbye." Harry nodded politely.
As they continued through the crowded Leaky Cauldron, Elara couldn't help but notice the way the room seemed to ripple around Harry. Eyes followed him, whispers trailed their path like an invisible current, and the air buzzed with a kind of awestruck curiosity. People leaned closer, eager for a glimpse of the 'Boy Who Lived.'
Yet no one looked at her.
And that wasexactlyhow she preferred it.
Unlike most her age, who might have bristled or burned with jealousy, Elara felt nothing but quiet relief. She had no desire to stand in the spotlight, to be scrutinized, or even admired. She found comfort in the shadows, where she could observe without being observed, where her thoughts could drift freely without interruption. It was her refuge, a place where she could be herself without the weight of expectations.
Throughout her life, attention had always made her feel exposed, as if every piece of herself might be stripped bare and examined, flaws and all. But here, in the background, she could move unnoticed, unbothered, free to soak in the world at her own pace.
She watched Harry out of the corner of her eye as he fumbled with the sudden recognition. His shoulders stiffened, his steps faltered, and his gaze darted nervously around the room. She wondered if he, too, wished he could shrink into the walls and disappear. Yet there was that smile, that spark in his eye, and with that, she knew that he needed this. Overnight, he had gone from a nobody to a celebrity, and she could only imagine how healing it might've been. Warmth spread across her chest, and a subtle joy filled her eyes. She was happy for him.
It wasn't that she didn't want to belong—she did. But she preferred it in other ways. For her, belonging meant something deeper, more private. It was found in the rare, unspoken connections, the quiet moments shared with kindred spirits. And as she glanced up at Hagrid's broad shoulders leading the way and Harry's uncertain expression beside her, she felt it—a faint glimmer of belonging.
Elara dropped back a pace, letting the tide of stares wash over Harry while she slipped further into their wake. Her place wasn't in the center of the room, in the spotlight, but rather alongside those who needed someone to stand quietly beside them. And she wouldn't have it any other way.
"See, Harry? You're famous." Hagrid said, opening a backdoor to outside.
"Butwhyam I famous, Hagrid? All those people back there, how is it they know who I am?" Harry asked, confused.
"I'm not sure I'm exactly the right person to tell yeh that Harry." Hagrid replied, taking his umbrella from his coat. He raised it to the brick wall, tapping it in a sort of pattern. The bricks began to shift out of alignment, pushing then pulling, then folding in on itself until a passageway opened. "Welcome, toDiagon Alley."
As they stepped through the brick archway into Diagon Alley, Elara and Harry froze, their eyes wide with awe. The cobblestone street before them was alive with colors, sounds, and smells that seemed to defy the imagination. Shops burst with magical oddities—robes fluttered like ghosts in display windows, cauldrons of every size and metal gleamed in the sunlight, and owls hooted softly from their cages as they peered down from their perches.
Elara felt her breath hitch as she took in the bustling wonderland. This wasn't just magic; this was a world builtbyit,forit. Her fingers instinctively brushed the bear on her wrist as if grounding herself to ensure this wasn't just another vivid dream. The hum of energy in the air resonated with something deep inside her, a note of belonging she hadn't dared to fully hope for.
Beside her, Harry's face was a picture of wide-eyed wonder, his head darting from side to side as though trying to take in everything all at once. His mouth hung slightly open, and he let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "Blimey," he whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "This... this is all real."
Elara turned to him, her own smile tugging at her lips as she watched the joy in his expression. For once, she didn't feel the urge to blend into the background. The shared marvel between them was enough. It was as if seeing Harry's freedom in expressing himself made her less afraid to do the same.
Overhead, banners fluttered, advertising enchanted sweets and the latest models of broomsticks. A gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly baked pumpkin pasties mixed with something distinctly magical—like the ozone of a summer storm. The noise of the crowd—laughter, chatter, the occasional pop or whir of a spell—washed over them, but neither Elara nor Harry seemed to notice.
In this moment, the weight of their pasts melted away. For the first time, they stood not as outcasts but as children discovering a world full of possibilities.
"Here's where yeh'll get yer quills and yer ink," Hagrid said, gesturing to a shop. "And o'er there all yer bits and bobs fer doing yer wizardry." He pointed to another.
"Its a world-class racing broom!" one boy said. "Look at it! The new Nimbus 2000! It's the fastest model yet." his friend said. They were peering into a display case featuring a smooth, golden-brown flying broom. Harry stared at it, mouth agape as he walked by.
"But Hagrid, how am I to pay for all this? I haven't any money." Harry questioned.
Elara joined in, "Me either, Hagrid."
"Wellthere'syou're money!" Hagrid smiled, pointing to a building. "Gringotts, the Wizard Bank. Ain't no safter place, not one. Except perhaps Hogwarts."
Entering inside, the walls were lined with small creatures at desks, counting coins and weighing them on golden scales.
"Uh, Hagrid. What exactly are these things?" Harry said, looking around nervously. Elara listened intently for the answer but with notably less anxiety.
"They're Goblins, Harry. Clever as they come Goblins, but not the most friendly of beasts. Best stay close." Hagrid warned gently. Harry and Elara shuffled closer.
As they reached a desk at the end of the hall, Hagrid cleared his throat, catching the attention of the clerk. He had a long, pointy nose and ears that followed in suit.
"Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Elara Willow wishes to make a withdrawal," Hagrid said. The Goblin peered down at them, unimpressed, through his half-moon glasses. His teeth, razor-sharp, disappeared behind his lips as they formed a scowl.
Willow?Elara questioned, unfamiliar with the last name Hagrid addressed her by.
The Goblin stood and leaned over his book, his gaze twisting to a glare as he towered over Harry. "And does Potterhave his key?" He growled menacingly. Harry swallowed thickly.
Hagrid shifted his eyes cautiously as if trying to remember something. "Oh, wait a minute. Got it here somewhere." Hagrid said, patting his pockets. "Ha! Here's the little devil!" Hagrid smiled victoriously, raising a golden key.
The Goblin sat back down, seemingly annoyed at the finding. "And the girl's...?" he sighed in frustration.
"Right here," Hagrid said, pulling a necklace that featured another key over his head. "Oh, and there's something else as well," he continued, his voice lowering to a whisper and gaze turning serious. "Professor Dumbledore gave me this." The Goblin slowly reached out, grabbing an envelope from Hagrid's hand, stamped 'TOP SECRET' in red letters. "It's aboutyou-know-whatin vaultyou-know-which."
Harry's brows furrowed at the secrecy, but Elara wore a soft had my key around his she wasn't sure how she could possibly have a vault, let alone any money in it, the thought warmed her.
"Very well." The Goblin nodded, any and all traces of disdain now drained away.
"Vault 687." A Goblin said, getting off the rail cart where Hagrid, Elara, and Harry still sat. The vaults were in a cave system with seemingly endless levels. "Lamp, please." The Goblin said, and Hagrid handed it to him, getting out of the cart now, too. They walked a couple of steps to a large, circular metal door. Harry and Elara followed behind. "Key, please." The Goblin said, and Hagrid handed it to him. He slid open a panel and unlocked the door.
Stepping inside, Harry froze, eyes wide in disbelief. In the center of the vault was a large mound of gold coins piled as tall as Hagrid himself. "Didn't think yer mum and dad would leave yeh with nothin', now did you?" Hagrid said.
"Vault 688. Key, please!" The Goblin called from outside. Hagrid turned out of the vault, and she followed quietly behind, unsure of what to expect.
How do I even have a vault?
She was half tempted to ask Hagrid if he had the right person. After all, she had lived her whole life under the name ElaraEvans.
Hagrid handed the key to the Goblin, who unlocked the heavy door with a precise twist. As the door creaked open, golden light spilled into the hallway, illuminating piles of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts stacked higher than Elara could fathom.
Her breath caught. The sight was dazzling but also disorienting. She stood frozen for a moment, her arms hanging stiffly at her could I have just as much as Harry? How do I have anything at all?
"Go on," Hagrid encouraged gently, his rough voice softened with a smile. "It's yours."
Elara stepped forward hesitantly, her shoes clicking against the cold stone floor. She reached out, brushing her fingers against the cool surface of a gold coin. The weight of it felt heavy in her palm, but heavier still was the question pressing on her chest.
"I don't understand," she said, her voice quiet but firm. She turned to Hagrid, her brow furrowed. "This... this can't be mine."
"'Course it is," Hagrid replied with a chuckle. "Yer parents left it for yeh. Saved it all up, they did."
Elara shook her head, her throat tightening. "My parents—" She paused, swallowing hard. "My parents aren't wizards. They're not even... they're not even named Willow. My name is Elara Evans. How—how could they have left this for me?"
Hagrid froze, the smile slipping from his face. He blinked down at her, his large hands twitching slightly, as if searching for the right words. "Ah..." he started, his voice trailing off.
The silence stretched, and Elara's stomach twisted. "Hagrid," she pressed, her voice sharper now. "You said you found me in the forest. You said—" Her voice wavered, and she looked down at the coin in her hand. "Are you telling me they're not really my parents?"
Hagrid let out a heavy sigh and crouched down to her level, his massive frame seeming smaller at that moment. "Elara, I..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I reckon yeh deserve the truth."
Her heart pounded in her chest as she stared at him, waiting.
"When yeh were a baby, I found yeh," Hagrid began, his voice thick with emotion. "In the Forbidden Forest—the woods outside my hut. It was a dark night, and yeh were left there... hidden." He paused, his eyes searching hers for understanding. "Yer real parents... they were magical folk. They... they died."
Elara stood in the quiet of the vault, her eyes fixed on the glinting piles of gold, but her thoughts were far from the treasure. The truth that Hagrid had just finished explaining—though haltingly, gently—left a hollow ache in her chest. She hadn't spoken for several moments, struggling to make sense of it all.
Finally, she glanced up at him, her voice small. "So... they're real parents."
Hagrid nodded, his face etched with sadness. "Aye, lass. They loved yeh, no doubt about that. They did everything they could to protect yeh." His voice broke slightly, and he cleared his throat, looking away.
Elara hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. She felt the weight of unspoken words pressing down on her. Finally, she took a deep breath and blurted out, "When you told me I was found... for a moment, I thought maybe you were my father."
The words hung in the air, fragile and uncertain. Elara flushed immediately, dropping her gaze to the floor. "I know it's silly," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hagrid froze, his large hands gripping the edges of his coat as he stared at her. His bushy eyebrows drew together, and his eyes glistened. "Elara..." he said, his voice thick with emotion.
She peeked up at him, feeling shy and foolish. "I didn't mean to— I mean, I know it's not true. I just... I don't know why I said that."
In Elara's heart, Hagrid was already her father. It was in the bear she had kept all these without knowing why; it was in her persistent dreams of that magical hut, and it was in that word that plagued her days without a home.I know he said he'd never let me go again, but does he truly see me the way I see him? What if I just made things awkward between us? What if I ruined everything? What if—
"Don't yeh apologize, lass," Hagrid said, his voice trembling as he crouched down to her level. His enormous hand rested gently on her shoulder. "Yeh don't know how much that means to me, hearin' yeh say that."
Her face burned, and she kept her gaze down, unsure how to respond.
Hagrid sniffled loudly, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "If yeh ever want me to be... I mean, if yer sure... I could be yer father. If yeh'd have me."
Elara's head snapped up, her wide eyes locking onto his. "Really?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Aye," he said with a soft smile, his eyes shining with tears. "I'd be honored, Elara. Yeh're a special girl, yeh are. If I'm to be honest... I always thought of yeh as my daughter, but I didn't want to make yeh uncomfortable, yeh see. But... if yeh want me to be yer dad, well... I'd do my best to make yeh proud."
Tears welled up in Elara's eyes, and she quickly brushed them away with the back of her hand. "You wouldn't mind?"
"Mind?" Hagrid said with a booming laugh, though his voice wavered with emotion. "I'd be the luckiest man alive."
Her lips trembled, and a small, shy smile broke through. She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his broad frame. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice muffled against his coat.
Hagrid held her gently, his large hand resting protectively on her back. "No need to thank me, lass. Family ain't just about blood. It's about carin' for each other. And I'll always be here for yeh. That's a promise."
Elara's eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away. Her hands trembled as she looked back at the pile of gold. "So this... this is all that's left of them, my birth parents?"
Hagrid reached out, his massive hand resting gently on her shoulder. "Not just this," he said softly. "You've got their strength. Their magic. And their love, Elara. It's all still with yeh."
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Ain't no need to thank me," Hagrid said gruffly, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. "Now, let's get what yeh need and be on our way, eh?"
"Vault 713." The Goblin called out.
"What's in there, Hagrid?" Harry asked.
"Can't tell yeh, Harry. Hogwarts business. Very secret." Hagrid replied.
Walking over to the vault, the Goblin called out again, but this time in warning. "Stand back!" There was no key for this vault, and in turn, it had no lock. The Goblin simply stretched out a finger, and with some kind of magic, the intricate system of bolts twisted and turned until the door finally opened. Light shone in, revealing a small, plain-looking pouch. Hagrid quickly scooped it up and placed it in his pocket.
"Best not to mention this to anyone Harry, you too Elara." Hagrid said with an edge of seriousness. They both nodded in response.
"We still need... a wand." Harry said, looking at the supply list. They were back in Diagon Alley, carrying large packages of supplies.
"Awand?Well yeh'll want Ollivanders! There ain't no place better." Hagrid said, pointing to a building. "Why don't yeh run along there and wait. I just got one more thing I got to do with Elara, won't be long."
Harry slowly walked inside, leaving Elara and Hagrid. She looked up at him in surprise, "Where are we going?"
"We'll we're gettin' yeh a pet of course!" Hagrid beamed.
"A pet?" She stared up at him, wide-eyed in disbelief.
"Well, sure! I'll have yeh know that when yeh was a baby, yeh had a real affinity fer creatures. Never seen nothin' like it!" Hagrid recalled fondly.
They arrived at a shop called The Magical Menagerie, and entered. It was a cacophony of sound and color, a small, dimly lit shop packed wall-to-wall with cages, tanks, and enclosures of every size and shape. The air buzzed with an odd mix of chirps, hisses, and croaks layered over the soft hum of magic. Creatures of all kinds—some familiar, others entirely bizarre—peered out from behind bars or pressed curious noses to the glass, their eyes glinting with intelligence or mischief.
Shelves overflowed with jars of colorful powders and peculiar snacks, while the walls were covered in posters offering advice on care for anything from Kneazles to Fire Crabs. The shopkeeper darted about, effortlessly answering questions, coaxing a reluctant Puffskein from a perch, and packaging a particularly feisty rat for a waiting customer. It was a place of barely contained chaos, yet it felt oddly welcoming, as though every living thing inside was united by the shared wonder of magic.
Elara inhaled deeply, feeling almost at one with the energy.
The shop smelled of old wood, sweet herbs, and the faint tang of something magical she couldn't quite place. Brightly-colored birds fluttered in their cages, chattering away in a strange, lilting language that sounded like a chorus of laughter. On the far side of the room, a display of glittering fish swam lazily in their tanks, casting odd reflections on the walls.
But it was the cats that captured her attention.
Rows of furry felines lay sprawled on cushions, grooming themselves or blinking lazily at the passersby. Some were sleek and silver, their fur shimmering in the low light, while others were large and fluffy, their tails swishing lazily from side to side. They lounged on plush cushions or prowled within their glass enclosures, their eyes gleaming with an intelligence that made her pause. She slowly wandered past them, her fingers brushing against the cool glass of each display, her gaze catching on sleek tabbies, fluffy calicos, and even one peculiar purple-furred feline.
She stopped in front of a small brown tabby with striking green eyes. The cat sat upright, its tail neatly curled around its paws, watching her intently. The world seemed to quiet around them as their eyes met.
"Hello, little one" she whispered softly, her voice barely audible over the noise of the shop.
To her surprise, the cat tilted its head as if it had heard her. Then, it opened its mouth and mewed softly. But the sound that reached her ears wasn't a simple meow—it was as if the words were whispered directly into her mind—not spoken aloud, but felt.
You're here. I've been waiting for you.
Elara blinked, her heart skipping a beat. Did the cat... just speak to her? She knew it was illogical, that it was far more likely she imagined it. But no, the cat was still staring at her, its green eyes gleaming knowingly. She had always been able to feel a connection to animals, but this was something new.
Huh, well isn't that thought, and she smiled back at the cat.
The cat meowed softly in response, the sound ordinary this time. Elara frowned slightly, confused. It had been so clear before, so vivid. Now, it was just a meow.
"Elara?" Hagrid's deep voice rumbled from behind her, breaking her trance. She turned to find him watching her with a curious expression, his brows furrowed in thought. "Is somethin' the matter?" he asked, stepping closer. His tone was gentle, but there was an undercurrent of expectation in his voice as if he was waiting for something specific.
Elara hesitated, glancing back at the cat, which continued to stare at her with those piercing green eyes. "I think the cat spoke to me," she admitted, her tone surprisingly casual. "Not like normal. I understood it as if it was downloaded into my head. It said... it was waiting for me."
Hagrid blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Spoke to yeh?" he repeated, his voice laced with surprise. "Proper words?"
She nodded. "But now it just sounds like meowing. I don't know what happened."
Hagrid's eyes widened for a moment before he rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Well, I'll be... I'd wondered if yeh might have a knack for somethin' like this. That's part o' why I brought yeh here. Figured yeh might connect with one o' the creatures." He gestured toward the cat. "But speakin' to 'em? Well that's rare indeed."
Her eyes widened slightly, and she looked back at the tabby. The idea that she might have a gift for something so rare felt strange. "I... I didn't know I could do that. But it felt so natural, I thought maybe all wizards could do it."
Hagrid chuckled, his eyes softening. "Nope, that's somethin' unique Elara, not unheard of, but unique. I sure didn't expect it. But sounds like it chose yeh, then." He crouched down beside her, peering at the tabby. "He's a fine one, that cat. Smart, too. If he's meant for yeh, then he'll be loyal as they come."
The cat stretched gracefully, then hopped down from its cushion, padding closer to the glass. Its green eyes never left Elara's, and she felt a strange warmth bloom in her chest, like an unspoken promise.
"Do yeh want him?" Hagrid asked gently.
Elara nodded, her voice steady despite the wonder she felt. "Yes. I think I do."
The cat meowed again, louder and more excited this time, as though it had been waiting for her answer. Elara couldn't help but smile as she reached for the latch of the cage, her fingers trembling slightly. The tabby stepped forward, pressing his little pink paws against the bars as if eager to escape and finally be free.
As Elara opened the cage and the cat stepped out, it brushed against Elara's leg, purring softly. She smiled, hesitantly reaching out to stroke its fur.
The moment her hand made contact, she felt a strange sensation like a surge of electricity running through her, as if a bond had been forged right then and there. It was almost a deep sense of understanding like the world had opened up just a little bit more. It's then that she knew this wasn't just a cat. This was a companion, a friend, a little piece of the magic that had always felt just out of reach.
Hagrid stood, watching the scene with a mixture of pride and amazement. "Well, seems like yeh've found yerself a true friend. What're yeh goin' name him?"
Elara glanced up at him, her fingers still gently trailing along the cat's back. "Sage." And in the quiet purring of the tabby, she thought she heard a whisper, faint and fleeting:We're going to do great things together.
"Let's head next door to Eeylops Owl Emporium—we're gonna surprise Harry." Hagrid winked.