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Chapter Text

Arendelle

The warm midday sun streamed through the window of the long hallway, casting long shadows along the walls. The violet carpet, adorned with golden lines, would have muffled Anna’s steps - had she deemed it important enough to even wear shoes that day. But the day was far too beautiful to confine her feet to their usual prison.

“Princess Anna! Please, for heaven’s sake, kindly wait for me!”

Anna rolled her eyes and glanced over her right shoulder. At the end of the corridor came Kai, the longtime servant of her family, running toward her. He reached her completely out of breath and bent forward, gasping for air. The corners of Anna’s mouth twitched ever so slightly as she stared at his bald head.

The last brave red hairs still clinging to the sides of his head had retreated in neat rows. They were slicked back, as if Kai were trying to pretend a full head of hair remained.

Kai raised his head, and his large, bulbous nose quivered as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

“Please, Princess. I’m not as young as I used to be,” Kai pleaded as he straightened up.

Anna giggled. “Sorry, Kai. But you know, you wouldn’t have to run after me if you just stopped trying to supervise me. How about that?”

Kai raised an eyebrow. “And take the Queen’s wrath instead? No, thank you. And we both know exactly why you’re not allowed to roam the castle alone.”

Anna threw her hands in the air in frustration. “I’m the only one in this castle even trying to have fun! It’s spring,” she muttered and began to spin in circles. “The flowers are blooming, and the bees are buzzing, searching for honey... and this castle is stuck in winter. It’s barren, cold, and just plain boring.”

Kai sighed heavily. “We’ve had this conversation before, Princess. It is your duty-”

Anna shaped her hand like a chattering duck. “My duty is blah blah blah,” she mimicked in a stiff, aristocratic voice. She then placed her hands on her hips, and as she moved, a strand of hair came loose and fell in front of her eyes.

Anna blew the red strand out of her face. “I’m sooo bored, Kai! Can’t you sneak me out of the castle? I want to see things - go on an adventure! Haven’t you ever had the urge to drop everything and chase after something exciting?”

“My life has always belonged to the King and Queen. And now to you,” Kai said, lowering his gaze. “I’m sorry, Princess, but your father has ordered the doors remain closed until he deems it appropriate to open them again-”

Suddenly, it was quiet. And that was very bad. Very, very bad. Silence and Princess Anna were strict opposites - Kai had learned that quickly. Like thunder after lightning, trouble was never far behind.

Kai looked up and saw Anna skipping down the hall again. Kai wished he could turn back time to chase a young Princess Anna rather than a teenager. She was beginning to realise that he no longer had the speed of his youth.

He grimaced and was about to chase after her when his eyes lingered for a brief moment on the closed door that led to Anna’s sister’s room.

Kai heard a rustle behind the door and was just reaching for the handle with his right hand when a loud crash echoed through the hall.

He turned away from the door and saw that Anna had shattered an old flower vase from the window. The shards now lay scattered across the floor.

“Ahhh!” Anna screamed, who had lost her balance and staggered like a sailor before disappearing at the top of the stairs. Kai winced as a second loud crash sounded in the distance.

Anna lay at the foot of the stairs and groaned. She ran her hands over her face and then touched both her arms and legs.

“Well? Still got your arms and legs, sweetheart?” came a voice Anna knew too well.

She looked up sheepishly at her mother. She wore a simple dress of dark violet, and over her shoulders lay a narrow cloak embroidered with delicate leaves, reminiscent of the forest she had once come from.

Her mother smiled warmly and helped her to her feet. “I’m not sure that we can trust you to be on your own while we’re gone. What do you think?” she asked, glancing toward the king. Iduna’s eyes lingered on her husband, who was in conversation with a servant, one who promptly lifted their suitcases and carried them outside.

“I have full faith in my daughter,” King Agnarr said and winked at Anna.

Anna turned away and giggled.

“Anna.”

Her mother gently touched her shoulder, and Anna’s giggle faded as she saw the worried look on her face.

“You don’t need to worry! I mean it!” Anna said, rolling her eyes as her parents exchanged concerned glances.

“Kai and Gerda are watching me! And I’m not a child any more, mother,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Iduna’s lips curled into a narrow smile. “You’re right. Even if I saw you sneaking chocolate from the kitchen just last night.”

Anna’s cheeks turned red. “Y-You saw that?”

Iduna’s smile widened. “Of course. I was there myself to grab some. Where do you think you got that sweet tooth from?”

Anna grinned sheepishly, and her father, Agnarr, cleared his throat. “And don’t forget, Anna’s not alone, dear. Elsa is still here, too.”

The smile vanished from Anna’s face. She only saw Elsa in passing these days. Her teachers taught her in separate rooms, and once the lessons were over, Elsa disappeared into her room.

It had been years since Anna had done anything with her older sister. Since she’d last heard her laugh.

Her mother must have noticed something, because she frowned. “What’s wrong, Anna? Did you and Elsa fight?”

She shook her head and said quietly, “To fight with her, I’d have to talk to her first.”

Her father gently touched her chin, and Anna looked up into his green eyes. They glowed with warmth.

“You must understand, Anna, your sister has many duties as the crown princess of Arendelle. One day, she’ll take my place, and she must be well-prepared for that,” Agnarr said. He withdrew his hand and placed it around Iduna’s waist.

“But when we return, I’ll speak to Elsa. Even the most diligent mind needs a break,” Agnarr said with a grin towards Anna.

Anna returned the grin and threw her arms around her parents, hugging them tightly.

“That would be wonderful,” Anna said, pulling back from the hug. “Do you have to go?”

Her father sighed. “I’m afraid so. We’ve delayed the negotiations with the Duke of Pitzbühl for far too long. Even if there’s nothing to negotiate,” Agnarr groaned.

“Why?” Anna asked.

“Because we’ve been negotiating with Pitzbühl for decades, and that won’t change anytime soon. But the duke is an old, annoying fool-”

Iduna cleared her throat.

“- who is a wonderful trade partner, and the time has come to honour him with a visit!”

“I don’t like him much,” Agnarr added quietly, looking sheepish.

Anna snorted with amusement, and Iduna rolled her eyes, which widened as Anna hugged them again.

“I’ll miss you,” she whispered and closed her eyes. As her mother wrapped her arms around Anna’s shoulders, Anna wished the moment would never end.

Then suddenly, a loud, terrified scream rang out, and Anna’s eyes flew open.

Her father looked up with a furrowed brow and whispered, “Elsa.”

He ran up the stairs, closely followed by her mother. Anna tried to follow, but her mother stopped her at the top of the staircase.

“Anna, please stay where you are-”

But Anna shook her head. “Was that Elsa’s scream? What happened to her?”

“Please, Anna,” her mother pleaded, looking from her to the end of the hall where Elsa’s room was. “Your sister... she’s ill. You can’t help her.”

Anna’s eyes widened. “Elsa is sick? Is that the reason why I never see her? Why didn’t you ever say anything?!”

Iduna bit her lip, her hands trembling. Anna took another step forward. “Mum! That’s my sister! I have a right to know!”

Iduna’s shaking hands gripped her dress. She stared down at Anna.

“You’re not going to stop asking, are you?”

Anna shook her head.

“You really must know? It’s a secret we’ve kept from you since you were a child, Anna,” her mother whispered.

But Anna braced herself. “I need to know.”

Her mother looked at her for a moment, then nodded. Anna hurried up the stairs and followed her mother down the hallway. Kai stood at the open door to Elsa’s room.

“The king is with your daughter,” Kai said. Anna was about to rush inside when her mother raised her arm to stop her.

Just then, a massive ice shard burst from the room and flew toward the hallway. A Window shattered into a thousand pieces.

Anna blinked. “Was that... ice?”

“Yes,” Iduna said grimly as another shard vanished through the broken window.

“B-But it’s spring,” Anna said, her voice trembling. She looked out the window, as if the sun could somehow prove her right.

Her mother turned on her. “You wanted to know what happened to your sister. So pull yourself together, Anna.”

Anna nodded and swallowed the bitter bile rising in her throat. She was afraid.

With one last look at the shattered window, she followed her mother, who had already passed Kai and was now gently pushing the door open farther.

The room was cold. Ice crystals had formed along the walls, spreading like delicate vines across the wooden furniture, and even the floor crunched beneath their feet.

Anna looked down and saw she was standing on solid, frozen ice.

“How is this possible?” she whispered, eyes wide.

“Get away! Stay back! I can’t control it any more!” Elsa shouted. Anna looked up and saw Elsa standing by the bed. Her usually braided hair was wild, strands sticking out in all directions.

Elsa’s hands trembled as she braced herself against the bed frame. Frost crept over her fingertips, and with every involuntary movement, fine shards of ice flickered through the air.

A single glove lay on the floor, carelessly discarded and half-encased in ice. Agnarr noticed it, his gaze resting on it for a moment. Then he slowly bent down and picked it up. His movements were calm, as if he didn’t want to startle Elsa with any sudden gesture.

He held the glove in his hand and looked at it briefly. “Elsa,” he said quietly, his voice filled with warmth but also deep regret. “Focus.”

Without touching her, he slowly guided the glove over her trembling hand, letting it glide gently until the fabric once more covered her fingers.

“If you can’t see it,” he murmured, “you can’t feel it any more.”

“And conceal it in my heart,” Elsa said, shaking her head, tears in her eyes. “I try... but I’m putting all of you in danger!”

“No,” Iduna said calmly as she stepped closer. “Your powers are not a curse, Elsa.”

Elsa swallowed hard. Her shoulders shook. “But I can’t control them!”

Iduna was now close. Carefully, she raised her hand - Anna saw Elsa flinch - but before she touched her, she stopped.

“You don’t have to learn it alone,” she said softly. “But you have to trust us.”

Another wave of frost curled around Elsa’s feet. But this time, the crystal burst softly against the floor, like shattering glass.

Elsa’s gaze flickered between her parents and Anna. Then she whispered, barely audible:

“I... I’m so scared.”

Anna took a step forward. Her voice was quiet but firm.

“I’m scared, too, Elsa. I don’t know what’s going on here, but I’m not giving up on you.”

For a tiny moment, everything was silent. Elsa stared at Anna with wide eyes. Finally, she sat down on the bed, turning her back to them.

Iduna looked at her daughter. “We must speak with the trolls, Agnarr. There must be something we can do.”

“Oh, of course you can do something!” Grand Pabbie said. The small troll was round like a rock, speckled with moss and lichen, and his long beard swept the ground, swaying in the wind as he moved.

“What exactly do you mean by we can do something?” Iduna asked sharply.

The troll furrowed his brow. “Well, as I feared, Elsa has no control over her powers. Her powers grow with each passing day, and so does the fear inside her.”

King Agnarr nodded. “That’s why we gave her the gloves. They were meant to protect Elsa.”

Pabbie raised his hand, and Elsa’s arms shot forward as if an invisible force had moved them.

“What-”

Pabbie eyed the gloves with scepticism. “Magic, Elsa, is a valuable gift. It’s a part of you, just like the hand you write with or the leg you dance with. Denying it is extremely dangerous.”

Elsa felt the power within her subside and pulled her arms back. She hugged herself tightly, as if trying to trap everything within. “But I’m afraid.”

Pabbie looked her in the eyes. “Of course you’re afraid! How wouldn’t you be, if you’ve never learned how to control it?”

Anna slipped past her parents and knelt in front of Pabbie. “Can you teach my sister how to control her powers?”

Pabbie sighed. “No, Anna, I can’t. I’m a troll, and troll magic is different from that of humans - or Elsa’s. Besides, I’m no teacher. I’m rather impatient.”

Elsa lowered her head, but Anna wouldn’t give up. Before Pabbie could turn away, she lifted him, and the troll’s stubby feet dangled in the air.

“Put me down!” Pabbie grunted.

“Anna! Let him go!” her parents cried, alarmed, but Anna only had eyes for Elsa, who stared at her with wide eyes.

“I’ll only let you go if you promise to help Elsa!” Anna argued. The stones around them began to shift and turned into small trolls.

“Let Pabbie go!”

“He didn’t do anything to you!”

“His back can’t handle that!”

Anna rolled her eyes just as Pabbie raised his hand. “Silence!”

The trolls around them fell quiet, and Anna turned Pabbie in her arms to face her.

The troll looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Clever, using my short arms and legs against me.”

“Thanks.” Anna smiled and glanced at his feet. “I didn’t know you had seven toes.”

Pabbie wiggled them. “Yes, we do. And I’m glad for it - what decent troll would want only five toes? That would look ridiculous. Now put me down, Anna.”

Anna furrowed her brows. “Not until you promise to help Elsa.”

Pabbie rolled his eyes. “I would’ve already done so if you hadn’t grabbed me.”

“Oh, sorry,” Anna said and dropped him. The old troll curled into a ball and rolled over to a rock, on which a piece of parchment lay.

“Youngsters these days,” Pabbie grumbled, and Anna gave a sheepish smile. “Who took my ink?” Pabbie called out as he searched the rock.

“Ink?” Elsa asked cautiously.

“Yes, letters don’t usually write themselves without ink,” Pabbie said patiently.

“I’ve got it!” a small troll cried and rushed to Pabbie, who accepted the ink pot gratefully.

“So, dear Professor...,” Pabbie murmured.

“Professor?” Iduna asked hesitantly. “Who is that?”

“Do you think Elsa is the only girl with a gift for magic?” Pabbie asked as he dipped a quill into the ink pot. “As I said, she needs a teacher.”

Iduna and Agnarr exchanged a glance and nodded tentatively. Pabbie sighed. “Of course not. There are others with magic. They call themselves witches and wizards.”

Elsa made a face. “Witch?”

Pabbie looked up. “Hm. I don’t think you’re a witch. But it’s still the best place where you can learn.”

Anna leaned forward, curious. “Learn what?”

“Magic, of course!”

Agnarr frowned. “There’s a place where Elsa can learn magic? Why didn’t you tell us about this before?”

“You never asked.”

Agnarr and Iduna’s shoulders sank. Elsa looked at her hands.

“So, there are others like me,” Elsa whispered.

“And done,” Pabbie said happily. He took the letter in his hand and brought it to his mouth. A loud whistle pierced the air.

Elsa wondered what would happen next when a barn owl broke through the treetops and landed on Anna’s shoulder.

Pabbie walked over to Anna and handed her the letter. “Tie it to her leg, Anna.”

While Anna was busy tying the letter to the owl’s leg, Elsa turned to Pabbie.

“Who is this professor?”

Pabbie scratched his cheek thoughtfully. “His name is Albus Dumbledore. I met him many years ago, and we’ve written to each other occasionally since. I asked him to find you a place at his school.”

Elsa blinked, confused. “A school?”

“Yes, a school.” Pabbie turned to Anna. “Are you ready?”

“Almost... Ouch, now!” Anna cried, just as the owl flapped its powerful wings and soared into the sky, vanishing between the green trees. She rubbed her thumb where the owl’s sharp beak had nipped her during take-off.

Elsa stood still and stared after the owl. She imagined it flying overseas, valleys, and rivers until it reached the one who could help her. Something stirred inside her - something new. For the first time, she didn’t just feel fear about her magic.

She felt hope.

“What is the name of this school?” she heard her mother ask softly.

Pabbie smiled gently. “School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - Hogwarts!”

Chapter Text

Little Whinging – Surrey

“Ow. – These bloody... Ow. Fuck. Damn thorns!” growled a young man with messy, black hair as he struggled through a dense tangle of wild brambles, nettles, and a particularly stubborn climbing rose. His sweat-soaked shirt was torn, his hands and arms covered in tiny cuts, and one especially unruly branch seemed to have wrapped itself around his ankle.

Harry Potter was having a miserable summer day. Pretty much like every summer day, really - because, as always, Harry was spending the summer with the Dursleys. Even though a madman without a nose was after him, his name, of course, was Voldemort.

Then a thought crossed his mind. What, if Voldemort just wanted a nose? Harry could ask Mad-Eye, after all, the grumpy old man had a magical eye. Maybe he’d know where to get Voldemort a magical nose.

“I highly doubt Voldemort would be satisfied with just an ordinary nose, Harry,” Dumbledore said, who had suddenly appeared behind him.

Harry wasn’t listening. He was too focused on yanking a root from the hedge. With all his strength, he pulled - and finally ripped it out of the ground.

“This damn hedge! I swear, if I could use my wand, I’d set you on fire, you miserable-”

Dumbledore interrupted him, his gaze kindly. “Good morning, Harry. It seems Professor Sprout’s tales of your talents in the greenhouse are quite accurate. I seem to recall James also had a complicated relationship with his plants.”

Harry startled and fell back onto his rear. “Professor? What are you doing here?” he croaked. His glasses sat askew on his nose, and Harry blinked in surprise as he looked up at him.

Dumbledore tilted his head. “Didn’t you receive my letter, Harry? I could’ve sworn I sent an owl at the start of summer. But I’m getting on in years - sometimes things do get mixed up,” he chuckled.

Harry freed himself from the brush and rubbed his ankle, which was badly scratched.

“I did get the letter, Professor. I just... didn’t think you’d come in person,” Harry said sheepishly. His ears turned red.

“Ah, so your relatives don’t know I’m coming?” Dumbledore asked. “I had looked forward to a slice of Petunia’s cake. Oh, well.”

Harry stood and stretched. His neck cracked as he raised his arms high over his head. “I didn’t expect you this early either.”

Dumbledore shook his head, his beard swaying like a leaf in the wind. “Well, once we’re finished here, we’ve quite a bit to do today, Harry. It seems an old friend of mine needs help, and I believe you’ll be a great help to me.”

Harry frowned. “Me?”

Dumbledore nodded gently. “Of course. But enough chatter. The day is long and the sun uncomfortably warm. Why don’t we go inside and ask your dear aunt if she might make us a lovely cup of tea?”

He winked at Harry, who only snorted in amusement. “Oh, I’m sure she’ll be thrilled,” Harry said.

And Harry was nearly right. Petunia was anything but thrilled. She turned as pale as a sheet when she opened the door and saw Dumbledore standing there.

“Petunia! Would you be so kind as to let us in?” Dumbledore asked pleasantly. “It would be such a shame if the neighbours saw us, don’t you think? Not that I’d mind, but I find that when I’m in the Muggle world, curious eyes tend to follow me.”

Harry had a suspicion why, as he glanced at the splendid violet robes Dumbledore was wearing.

Petunia’s eyes widened dramatically. She stepped aside, and Dumbledore and Harry crossed the threshold. Harry’s aunt shot him a venomous look as he passed, which he answered with a casual smirk.

“And that must be your son Dudley!”

Dudley’s heavy steps thudded down the old staircase, and Harry saw the utter horror on his cousin’s face when he spotted Dumbledore in the hallway.

Dumbledore looked around the narrow corridor and saw how cramped it would become once Dudley, who was as wide as a small whale, joined them.

“Perhaps we should sit down in the living room. I’m just going to assume you’ve invited me, and of course, I gratefully accept,” Dumbledore said, turning left down the hall. “Come along, Dudley.”

Petunia stood frozen in place as Dudley passed. Then she turned furiously on Harry. “What is he doing here?! He doesn’t belong in this house!”

Harry shrugged. “Guess I forgot to mention it.”

Petunia’s horse-like nostrils flared. “Y-You f-forgot?!”

Harry nodded wisely. “Yes, forgetting is what happens when you can’t remember something.”

His dear aunt turned red. “I know what it means, you ungrateful-!”

Then Dumbledore’s voice floated in from the living room. “Petunia, it might be best not to finish that sentence while I’m nearby. And I truly wouldn’t say no to a cup of tea either.”

Harry snorted with laughter when he heard a strange squeak from Petunia. He walked into the living room as his aunt vanished into the kitchen.

The atmosphere in the living room was odd. On one side, Dumbledore sat in an armchair, whistling a rhythmic tune, while Dudley and Vernon sat on the couch, looking as if they’d rather be anywhere else.

“Should I pack my trunk, sir?” Harry asked.

“Yes, but give me a moment. There are some things I need to discuss, first with you, then with your aunt and uncle.”

Harry raised an eyebrow and sat down in the empty armchair near the fireplace.

It wasn’t long before Petunia came bustling into the room. In her hand, she held a mug, clearly filled with hot tea, the steam rising from it gave that away easily.

“Now that we’re all here,” Dumbledore began, “let’s start with you, Harry. Last week, Sirius’s will was read, and essentially, he left you everything he owned.”

Harry blinked. He hadn’t expected that. “Oh.”

“His godfather is dead?” Uncle Vernon blurted out.

Dumbledore nodded gravely, and at the look he gave him, Vernon fell silent once again.

Dumbledore turned back to Harry. “Your vault at Gringotts will be increased with a generous sum, and you inherit all personal possessions. The most complicated part of the inheritance, however, is that he also left you the ancestral home of the Blacks at number twelve, Grimmauld Place.”

Harry groaned and leaned back in his chair. “You’re welcome to keep using it. Sirius hated it, and I don’t feel like going back there.”

“That’s very generous of you,” Dumbledore said. “But as you know, the Black family had certain... tendencies when it came to tradition.”

Harry snorted. “That’s putting it mildly.”

“I quite agree,” Dumbledore smiled, adjusting his half-moon spectacles. 

“The Black family tradition states that the house must be passed down through the direct bloodline. Since Regulus died before his brother, Sirius was the last heir of the main line. And although his will is clear, there may still be a curse preventing anyone but a pureblood from taking possession of the house.”

Harry pictured Sirius’s drooling old mother screaming curses from her portrait like there was no tomorrow.

“I can definitely see that,” Harry muttered.

Dumbledore nodded. “As do I. Fortunately, there’s a simple test if the house truly belongs to you, then so does-”

There was a loud crack. “-Kreacher,” Harry finished the sentence.

The house-elf looked at Harry with large, hate-filled tennis-ball eyes.

“Well, that was anything but a pleasant visit,” Dumbledore said as he opened the front door. Harry followed him, dragging his suitcase and Hedwig’s cage behind him.

“I doubt any visit to the Dursleys could be called pleasant,” Harry remarked.

Dumbledore whistled a familiar muggle tune while they rounded the corner and disappeared into a dim side street. “What are we doing now, Professor?” Harry asked.

Dumbledore’s gaze fell first on Harry’s suitcase and Hedwig’s cage. “I think the first thing we should do is make sure we can travel unhindered. How would you feel about sending your belongings ahead to Grimmauld Place? Hedwig can, of course, fly on her own.”

Harry exchanged a glance with Hedwig, who clearly liked that idea.

Hoot.

Harry opened the small gate and Hedwig pecked it aside and hopped onto his arm. She gave the cage a sharp glare and kicked it one last time for good measure.

Satisfied, she then spread her wings and soared in wide circles above their heads.

“What about the suitcase?” Harry asked.

Dumbledore peered at him over his half-moon glasses. “You could ask Kreacher to take care of it. I think it might do your… how do you say? Complicated bond some good.”

Harry stared at Dumbledore as if he’d gone completely mad.

“Kreacher!”

There was a loud crack, and the grumpy old house-elf appeared in front of them.

“The filthy master summoned Kreacher? If his old mistress could see this, a dirty half-blood-”

“Enough!” Harry growled and pointed to the suitcase. “Take my things to Number Twelve Grimmauld Place and put them in Sirius’s room. Do not touch anything!”

Kreacher snapped his fingers, and with another resounding crack, he and Harry’s belongings vanished into nothingness.

“Well, that’s sorted. And we’re even on time for midday,” Dumbledore said, holding out his arm to Harry. “Now, please take my arm, Harry.”

Harry looked at Dumbledore suspiciously. “Your arm-?”

Dumbledore smiled, and something in the smile told Harry he was keeping a secret. Hesitantly, Harry reached for Dumbledore’s arm, and as soon as his fingertips touched the fabric of his robe, the air around him felt like it was compressing.

The images of the street blurred before his eyes, and Harry felt like he was being squeezed like a sausage. Then, as suddenly as it started, the sensation faded. He breathed in fresh air and opened his eyes, looking around.

He stood in a courtyard surrounded by high stone walls, with green vines slowly climbing up them.

“What - what was that?” Harry gasped. “It felt almost like a Portkey.”

“A good comparison, as the methods of travel are quite similar,” Dumbledore said. “We’ve just successfully apparated. If I recall the curriculum correctly, you’ll begin learning it this year.”

Harry frowned. “Is that what the Weasley twins were practising all last summer?”

Dumbledore chuckled. “Exactly. The Messrs. Weasley were rather creative about it. How do you feel, Harry? Most people throw up the first time they apparate.”

Harry grimaced as his stomach churned. “I think I’ll survive. Where exactly are we?”

“Welcome to Arendelle!” said a voice.

Harry blinked against the sunlight spilling into the cobbled courtyard. He spun around and saw a small group of people standing a few meters away. The group stepped closer until they stood directly in front of them.

A man with a vague resemblance to Uncle Vernon bowed to Harry and Dumbledore. But as he raised his head, Harry had to correct himself. The man’s expression was far too kind to resemble Vernon even a little.

But he did have a rather bulbous nose. Like a turnip. 

“My name is Kai. I am the royal family’s servant,” the man said with the bulbous nose.

Harry’s eyebrows shot up as if trying to make a run for it.

The servant, called Kai, turned to Dumbledore. “I assume you are Mr. Dumbledore?”

“Professor Dumbledore,” he corrected gently, folding his hands behind his back. “But yes, that’s me. And this is one of my students, Harry Potter.”

All eyes turned to Harry.

“Well, I’m pleased to welcome you,” Kai said, stepping aside. “These are king Agnarr and his wife queen Iduna, with their daughters Elsa and Anna.”

“It is an honour, your Majesties,” Dumbledore said, bowing low enough that his long white beard brushed the ground.

Harry followed Dumbledore’s lead, though his bow was rather stiff and unpractised.

Why were they here?

“Thank you for coming, Professor Dumbledore,” the king said. “Judging by young Harry’s expression, he seems to not have the slightest idea why he’s here.”

“Well, I think no one can describe Hogwarts better than a student,” Dumbledore chuckled. “And no, I thought it best that Elsa would tell him directly. Harry is an extraordinary young man - his experiences will surely be encouragement for both - Anna and Elsa.”

Harry’s gaze fell on Elsa, who stood a little apart from her family. She was about his height and likely his age. Her blonde hair fell gently in a braid over her shoulder. She had a delicate figure and wore a green dress with dark, long sleeves and matching gloves.

And her eyes, Merlin - they were blue like sapphires. She had a pert nose and graceful features. Elsa could easily be one of the most beautiful girls at Hogwarts.

“Harry?” Dumbledore asked gently. “Anyone there?”

Harry shook his head and looked away from Elsa. That was far too dangerous. Especially with the sharp look the king gave him.

“Er, yeah. Did I miss something?”

Anna, the other girl and Elsa’s sister, giggled and turned toward the castle.

“Well, we were just about to head into the castle,” Dumbledore said with a smile, his eyes twinkling. “But if you’d rather stay outside-”

Harry ran a hand through his hair, embarrassed. “No, I’ll come.”

He followed the royal family alongside Dumbledore into the castle, and only one thought crossed his mind:

What had he gotten himself into this time?

Harry had no idea why he was here. He glanced sideways at Dumbledore, but the headmaster looked straight ahead, his long beard bouncing just above the ground with each step.

Harry rubbed his chin and felt the beginnings of stubble. He couldn’t imagine ever having a beard like Dumbledore’s. He’d never really noticed it before, but how long had it taken to grow that long?

He was probably not the only one wondering about Dumbledore’s beard, as he saw Anna staring openly at Dumbledore’s beard. She gestured animatedly until her mother shot her a sharp glance. But Dumbledore merely smiled kindly.

King and queen, Harry thought with a frown. This is insane. 

They entered the castle, and Harry saw a simple, elegant entrance hall. Kai led them to the left and down a wide hallway, stopping at a dark wooden door.

Harry entered last and looked around. It was a cosy room with a large window offering a view of a well-tended green garden. In the centre stood a round table flanked by two wide sofas, and a single armchair stood slightly askew near the window, as if someone had hastily pushed it back.

The king settled into the armchair, and his family took a seat on the sofa across from him, with Elsa sitting at the end.

“Please, Professor,” he said kindly, “do take a seat. I assume the journey was long.”

Harry snorted and quickly covered his mouth when everyone looked at him. His ears turned red.

Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses. “I believe what Harry meant to say is that our journey was rather short. Magic offers some conveniences - for which, at my age, I’m especially grateful.”

Harry noticed Elsa visibly react when Dumbledore mentioned magic. She looked up, and in her eyes there was something… Harry couldn’t quite place it.

The king leaned forward slightly. “So, it’s true? You’re a… a magician?”

Dumbledore adjusted his glasses. “Magician is a broad term. I prefer wizard, but yes, I, and with your permission, Harry - we are wizards.”

“Prove it,” Elsa demanded. She had sat up straight and was looking at Dumbledore fiercely.

The king exchanged a fleeting glance with his wife. “Forgive us, Professor Dumbledore…”

But Dumbledore shook his head. “Not at all. Miss Elsa just reminded me of a former student… and he was rather extraordinary.”

“Well then.” He turned to Harry. “Harry, how about you show them what you’re capable of?”

Harry blinked. “Me? But Professor, surely you’re better suited. And I’m not of age-”

“Given our recent endeavours… the Ministry has granted me certain, shall we say, temporary permissions. For today, you are allowed to perform magic outside of Hogwarts,” Dumbledore smiled, giving Harry a long look over the rim of his glasses. “With my permission, of course.”

Hesitantly, Harry pulled his wand from his jacket pocket. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. “I see you’ve taken Alastor’s advice.”

Anna squirmed with curiosity. “What advice?”

Dumbledore smiled. “Perhaps another time. Go ahead, Harry.”

Harry nodded and said, “Lumos.”

A bright white light burst from his wand, illuminating the room. “Magic,” the queen whispered.

Elsa’s eyes were wide, but Anna stared at Harry disappointed. “Is that it? Elsa can do way more than that!”

“Anna!” her mother scolded, but Harry was already looking at Elsa, who stared at him challengingly.

He glanced briefly at Dumbledore, who was now fascinated by his sleeve, and prepared himself. Harry rolled up his sleeve and murmured, “Expecto Patronum.”

Just like before, a white light appeared, but this time growing brighter and larger. Inside the spell, it looked as if the light was forming a shape, but then Harry’s thoughts drifted, and the light vanished.

I couldn’t do it… That’s the first time I’ve failed to cast a Patronus. Why?!

Suddenly, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Dumbledore’s blue eyes looking at him with deep sadness.

“Wow, that was cool!” Anna whispered excitedly. “What kind of spell was that?”

Harry felt Dumbledore withdraw his hand and turn to Anna. “That was the Patronus Charm, a rather difficult spell. It is a spell based on the casters happiness and creates a guardian against Dementors.”

“Dementors?” Anna asked, but her mother placed a hand gently on her lap.

“Anna, now’s not the time for such questions.”

“Quite the opposite,” Dumbledore replied in a calm voice with a gentle smile. “Knowledge is often the first step in overcoming fear. And in a world where magic exists, ignorance is a much more dangerous enemy than any creature that lurks in the dark.”

He looked at Anna and added, “A Dementor is a creature that sucks all light and happiness from the world around it. They feed on fear, despair… and the joy of others. But a Patronus - that is, magic born of pure hope. It is a light that drives away even the darkest shadows.”

The king leaned forward. “And these Dementors… are they close to Hogwarts?”

Dumbledore’s face turned serious. “No, there are no Dementors at Hogwarts. They are vile creatures that should never be near people, least of all children.”

King Agnarr nodded. “That’s good to hear. We want Elsa to learn to control her powers, but not at the cost of exposing her to this danger.”

“Of course,” Dumbledore said, beginning to retrieve two thick envelopes from his robes.

He placed one envelope in front of Elsa and one in front of Anna.

“What is this?” Elsa asked, taking the letter with trembling hands.

Miss E. Arendelle

Second Floor, Room at the End of the Hall

Castle Arendelle

Arendelle

“For me too?!” Anna asked, surprised to see her name on the second envelope.

Dumbledore peered at the girls over his half-moon glasses. “These are invitations to join Hogwarts, a school for magic. You now have a choice to make: to accept and learn magic, or to decline.”

Elsa ran her hand over the letter, and a light frost traced the old parchment.

“I want to go,” she whispered and looked up at her parents. “I want to learn to control it.”

As they neared the staircase, Elsa was visibly excited, bouncing lightly with each step. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t even worry about finally leaving the castle, and Arendelle itself. When she refocused on her surroundings, she noticed Anna had appeared beside her, staring reverently at her letter.

“I still can’t believe it,” Anna whispered. “I get to go to Hogwarts… Me!”

I had to live with fear of my magic for years, and now that I finally have a glimmer of hope… she’s stealing that from me too!

Elsa swallowed the seed of jealousy that threatened to take root within her. It wasn’t Anna’s fault - but still, she frowned slightly.

“Anna, since when do you have magic?” Elsa asked politely.

Anna frowned in return, and for a moment, Elsa wondered whether that expression was part of the distance she was trying to maintain between them.

“I don’t have magic. Not like you or Harry,” she said, pulling out a bracelet. Elsa looked more closely and saw strange symbols engraved in dark wood.

“Pretty cool, right? Professor Dumbledore knows someone who made it for me. With it, I can see magic. And it allows me to attend Hogwarts too!” Anna said with a grin. “I won’t be able to cast spells with a wand, but Professor Dumbledore said there are plenty of subjects where I don’t need one. Like history of magic! It’s going to be amazing!”

Anna stepped toward her with a wide smile, and Elsa instinctively took a step back. The smile faded from Anna’s face, and she looked down before meeting Elsa’s eyes again.

“Well… only if you want me there, Elsa. I know I only recently found out about your gift, and I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for you… But I want to go to Hogwarts with you! I want to help you!” Anna said, staring at her with determination.

Elsa sighed. “Anna, you can’t help me-”

Anna’s resolve wavered until someone placed their hands on her shoulders. It was her mother.

“I think it’s a very good idea, Anna,” Iduna sad, giving Elsa an encouraging look. “It’s our fault that the two of you have seen so little of each other in your lives. We were both afraid to lose you two,” she explained to Elsa. 

Anna stepped out from her mother’s embrace and stood next to Elsa. “What were you afraid of?”

Their mother looked at her sadly. “Of losing you… Either of you. You have no idea how we felt when that accident with your magic happened.”

Elsa clenched her fists unconsciously, but her mother noticed. “No, it was an accident, and we should have been more careful. When we first learned about your magic, my sweet, we should have gone to Grand Pabbie.”

“Why didn’t you?” Elsa asked quietly.

Iduna shrugged helplessly. “We were young parents with two beautiful daughters. Your father and I thought we could handle it ourselves. We were arrogant, and you both paid the price for it.”

“Mum,” Anna tried to say, but Iduna raised a hand.

“No, it’s good that you’re going to Hogwarts. Both of you,” their mother continued, looking at them one after the other. “There’s so much out there to see and to learn. I want you to take that step. Do it for yourselves,” she said, and her smile turned mischievous.

“Besides, it seems Hogwarts has the potential for a few charming young men,” Iduna added, glancing toward the room where their father was still sitting with Professor Dumbledore and Harry.

Elsa’s eyes widened, and Anna’s face turned red. “Mum!”

Iduna laughed and turned around. “Come on! We should start packing. Knowing Anna, it’s going to take some time before she decides which dresses to bring.”

Anna followed her mother, mumbling something incomprehensible, while Elsa heard voices behind her. Her father, Professor Dumbledore, and Harry were standing in the hallway, looking at an old painting. Elsa’s lips curled into a faint grin as she saw Harry let out a loud yawn and apologise.

But her father laughed, and Harry’s gaze wandered until his green eyes met hers.

“Elsa, are you coming?” Anna called from the staircase landing.

Elsa turned away, but the smile remained on her face. “Yes! I’m coming!”

Chapter Text

“Bleh!”

Elsa jumped aside as Anna vomited in a wide arc. She exchanged a quick glance with Harry, who had jumped aside just as quickly.

“Goodness,” said Professor Dumbledore beside them. “That’s the worst case of Apparition sickness I’ve ever seen.”

“I’m feeling better already, Professor,” Anna groaned, leaning against a house wall.

“I believe I still have a lemon drop in my pocket,” Dumbledore murmured, beginning to rummage through his robes.

Elsa looked around. “Where are we?”

Next to her, Harry frowned. “This isn’t London.”

“Ah, here it is,” said Dumbledore, handing the sweet to Anna. “Take this. You’ll feel better shortly.”

Anna eyed the candy with disgust, but still popped it into her mouth. Immediately, her complexion improved.

“What was in that?” Anna asked. “That was definitely not just a lemon drop!”

Dumbledore smiled and nodded toward Harry. “Mr. and Mr. Weasley are quite adept at… neutralising the side effects of their experiments, aren’t they, Harry?”

Harry’s eyes widened. “You got that from Fred and George?!”

Dumbledore winked and strolled down the street.

“Are we supposed to follow him?” Anna asked, confused.

“I think so,” said Harry, walking after Dumbledore. Elsa shrugged when Anna looked at her, and they both followed the peculiar professor.

“To answer your earlier question, Elsa: forgive me, but there’s currently one teaching post open at Hogwarts. I’m hoping, with your help, to bring an old colleague out of retirement,” Dumbledore said.

“Out of retirement?” Elsa asked.

“Yes, indeed,” Dumbledore replied, looking at her over his half-moon glasses. “As soon as we’re done here, I’ll take you to Grimmauld Place.”

Harry frowned. “Why not the Burrow?”

“The Burrow? What’s that?” Elsa wondered aloud.

“I’m afraid Mrs. Weasley already has her hands full. We shouldn’t trouble her further,” Dumbledore said gently. They were approaching a small, charming stone house with a private garden.

But Harry wasn’t giving up. “But-”

Dumbledore didn’t let him finish. “Oh dear. That doesn’t look good.”

Elsa followed Dumbledore’s gaze, and her words caught in her throat. The front door was hanging off its hinges.

“Harry, draw your wand. Anna, Elsa,” Dumbledore said, now serious. “If something happens, stay close to Harry. Understood?”

“Understood.” Elsa clenched her fist and nodded, hesitantly. Anna did the same.

Dumbledore smiled. “Very good. I don’t think you need to worry, not with me here. But one can never be too careful. Shall we go in?”

“Lumos.”

Elsa watched in amazement as the tip of Dumbledore’s wand lit up, casting light down a narrow, dark hallway. Doors were open on both sides, and Dumbledore led them into the living room. The room looked like a storm had ripped through it.

Elsa heard dripping. Dumbledore raised his wand toward the ceiling, and when she saw it, she gasped.

“That’s blood,” Elsa whispered, stepping back.

“Unpleasant, isn’t it?” Dumbledore said gravely. “Yes, something terrible happened here.”

“There must’ve been a fight,” Anna said. “Could he have escaped?”

Harry shook his head. “I doubt it. If his blood’s on the ceiling, I don’t even want to know how badly he’s hurt.”

Elsa peered toward a toppled armchair at the far end of the room. Her hands tingled.

“It might not be his,” Anna offered again, though it sounded like she was trying to convince herself. “It could be the attacker’s b-blood.”

“You could all be right,” Dumbledore said. “But I think Elsa already found him, didn’t you?”

Elsa blinked in surprise as all three of them looked at her. “Really? You saw him?” Anna asked. “When? Where?”

“I think Elsa has a talent for sensing magic,” Dumbledore said gently, giving her a wink. He turned toward the very armchair Elsa had been staring at, and without warning, jabbed his wand into the seat-

“Ow!” the chair yelped.

Dumbledore straightened. “Good evening, Horace.”

Elsa might have gaped just like Anna and Harry did if she hadn’t been too shocked. Where the armchair had stood, now crouched an enormous, bald man, rubbing his stomach where Dumbledore’s wand had struck him.

“He reminds me of my uncle. He looked like a walrus, too,” Harry whispered beside her, and Elsa quickly covered her mouth to hide a snort. She didn’t quite succeed, because Harry grinned at her.

“I don’t even want to know what would’ve happened if Dumbledore had aimed lower,” Anna murmured.

Elsa gaped at her sister. “I don’t want to imagine that,” Harry muttered. “I once took a Bludger to the... wizarding area during Quidditch practice. Couldn’t sit all night.”

“Stop,” Elsa giggled, trying to suppress laughter.

“Well, glad someone’s laughing,” Horace grumbled, glaring at Dumbledore. “Was it necessary to jab that hard?”

Dumbledore just smiled, and Horace sighed. “What gave me away? I was sure I hadn’t missed anything!”

“My dear Horace, if Death Eaters had come, you’d have seen the Dark Mark,” Dumbledore said cheerfully. “But what gave it away was the dragon blood. The smell is rather distinctive.”

The wizard slapped his forehead. “Of course… But not every wizard knows the scent of dragon blood as you do, Albus.”

Anna mouthed dragon blood to Elsa, who nodded with wide eyes.

“This just keeps getting weirder,” Elsa thought.

“Need help cleaning up?” Dumbledore asked.

Horace’s irritation vanished, and he nodded gratefully. “Please.”

Dumbledore flicked his wand, and the furniture flew back to its places. A table leg danced past Elsa before snapping into place under a small table by the window.

A final pop, and the chandelier returned to the ceiling, then silence.

“Wow,” Anna whispered, and Elsa couldn’t help but agree.

“Magic is truly magical,” Elsa smiled.

Horace gathered the remaining dragon blood into a crystal bottle and turned to Dumbledore. “So, Albus, since when do you take students on summer field trips?”

Dumbledore smiled. “Oh, this is no field trip, Horace. Hogwarts hasn’t changed. You three, this is Horace Slughorn, an old friend and colleague of mine. These are Elsa and Anna Arendelle. They’ll be new students at Hogwarts this year.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Horace nodded. “A bit old, aren’t they? Did they attend another school? Beauxbatons?”

Elsa frowned at the question. She’d never heard of Beauxbatons. Was it another magic school?

“My sister has a special gift!” Anna said proudly, and Elsa sighed inwardly.

“Oho,” said Slughorn, looking at Elsa with growing interest, until his eyes landed on Harry.

“Oho!” Slughorn’s wide eyes darted to Harry’s lightning-shaped scar.

“Oho!”

Elsa frowned. Sure, Harry’s scar was strange, but was it really that odd?

“This,” said Dumbledore, stepping in, “is Harry Potter.”

Slughorn grinned slyly. “So this is how you plan to convince me, eh? But my answer’s still no!”

He turned away like a child resisting temptation.

“Well, we’ve come a long way. Surely we could share a drink?” Dumbledore offered. “For old time’s sake?”

Slughorn hesitated. “One glass,” he finally said.

“Wonderful,” Dumbledore said, motioning them to sit. Elsa sat to the left on the couch, Harry and Anna beside her. It was narrow enough that she felt Harry’s arm whenever someone moved.

“So, how’s retirement treating you, Horace?” Dumbledore asked.

Slughorn waved his wand, and a tray with two glasses flew into the room and came to a stop in front of them. Dumbledore and Slughorn each took one, and he poured the glasses with an expensive-looking bottle.

"You must know what old age is like, Albus. After all, you’re older than I. The bones ache, the joints hurt. Breathing isn’t as easy any more, and you get out of breath faster than you’d like," Slughorn grumbled. "But my mind is still sharp!"

Dumbledore smiled and looked around the living room. "That’s good to hear. But you can’t have had much time to prepare all this. This reception must’ve taken you quite some time."

Slughorn held up two thick fingers in the air. "Two! I had two minutes, because I didn’t hear my intruder charm. I was just in the tub enjoying my last Firewhiskey, and then I rushed out and voilà! A spell here, a bit of dragon blood there, and all that at my age!" Slughorn laughed proudly.

A very peculiar man, Elsa thought.

Dumbledore leaned forward slightly. "But you must tell me… who were the precautions for? The Death Eaters or for me?"

Elsa saw how Slughorn started blinking rapidly and avoided eye contact. "What - what would the Death Eaters want from an old, broken man like me?"

Dumbledore’s face became more serious. "I could imagine they would want to use your exceptional talents for coercion, torture, and murder," Dumbledore said.

"Elsa, your hand," Harry whispered suddenly, and Elsa was so surprised that she hadn’t noticed her hand had touched Harry’s. She quickly pulled it back and whispered, "Sorry, Harry."

Harry tapped his leg with his hand, since a bit of snow had fallen onto the back of it. With red ears, he said quietly, "It’s nothing."

Elsa hated herself for having no control over her abilities, and to top it off, Slughorn had noticed. At least he was looking in their direction, and Elsa saw a slight wrinkle on his broad forehead.

"You want me to believe the Death Eaters haven’t tried to recruit you yet?" Dumbledore asked, and Slughorn stared at him darkly for a moment.

"I haven’t given them the chance! I’ve been moving constantly for a year now, never staying longer than a week in one place-"

"That sounds like a very exhausting way of living," Dumbledore interrupted. "So if you were to return to Hogwarts-"

This time, it was Slughorn who interrupted. "If you’re going to tell me that life at that cursed school would be more peaceful, you can save your words, Albus! I’ve been in hiding, yes, but I’m not living under a rock. I’ve heard what’s happened since Dolores Umbridge left-"

"Madame Umbridge got into trouble with our centaur herd," Dumbledore said calmly. "I believe you, Horace, would have come up with something better than walking into the forest and calling an already angry herd of centaurs filthy half-breeds."

Slughorn sank back into his armchair. "She did that? Foolish woman. Never could stand her." Then he quickly added, "Apologies, I usually don’t speak that way in the presence of young ladies, but that woman..." Slughorn just shook his head, and next to Elsa, Harry snorted.

Slughorn turned to Harry. "Sorry," Harry said quickly. "It’s just - I couldn’t stand her either."

Dumbledore suddenly stood up. "You’re leaving already?" Slughorn asked with a hopeful look.

"No, I’d just like to use your toilet," Dumbledore said.

"Oh," Slughorn said, disappointed. "Second door to the left, down the hall."

Dumbledore nodded. "Anna, would you be so kind as to show an old man the way? My legs aren’t quite as nimble as they once were."

"Sure." Anna shrugged and held out her arm to Dumbledore. They walked through the room. "But I’m not helping clean up! Just saying."

Elsa just held her hand over her face, and Anna’s voice faded as the living room door closed behind them.

"You look very much like your father," Slughorn said gently. At first, Elsa thought he was talking to her, but Slughorn’s gaze was firmly set on Harry.

"Yeah, I’ve been told that before," Harry replied with a rather dry tone.

"Except for the eyes. You have-"

"My mother’s eyes, yeah."

Elsa got the sense that Harry had heard that a few too many times before. But she still found it odd. Had something happened to Harry’s parents?

Slughorn just sighed and swirled his drink in his glass. "As a teacher, of course, one isn’t supposed to have favourite students, but she was one of mine. Your mother," he clarified when Harry looked at him questioningly.

"You taught Harry’s mother?" Elsa asked kindly, since Harry didn’t look like he wanted to talk about it.

"Indeed! Lily Evans was one of the brightest students I ever taught. “Always so curious, and the way she came up with answers, truly remarkable. I’ve never seen anything like it in another student,” Slughorn said, and at the same time sounded strangely moved, which confused Elsa.

"I always thought she belonged in my House, but I always got very cheeky answers about that," Slughorn chuckled.

"House?" Elsa asked. "What do you mean by that?"

Slughorn set his glass down and tilted his head. "So you’re a Muggleborn too, Miss Elsa?"

Next to her, Elsa saw Harry clench his hands into fists. "And if she is? Do you have something against Muggleborns?"

Slughorn raised his hands defensively. "No, not at all! Didn’t I just say Lily was one of my best?"

Elsa frowned. "What does Muggleborn mean?"

Slughorn withdrew into himself, but remained silent. It was Harry who answered. "Muggleborns are those whose parents aren’t witches or wizards. As far as I know, my mum’s parents weren’t. My dad’s parents were a wizard and a witch. So that makes me-"

"A half-blood," Slughorn finished.

"So I’m a Muggleborn?" Elsa asked.

Harry nodded. "Unless there’s someone in your family who had magic before."

Elsa tilted her head and looked at her hands. "I don’t know."

Harry looked at her for a moment. Then he said, "I can help you with that."

Elsa looked at him in surprise. "With what?"

"Finding out where your magic comes from," Harry said, and his ears turned red again. He ran a hand through his hair, and Elsa’s lips curled into a faint smile.

"Are you sure?" Elsa asked, and she felt a warmth on her cheeks that was entirely new to her.

Harry looked at her and nodded silently, and Elsa had the feeling she could trust his word. It felt… great.

Slughorn cleared his throat and pulled them out of their thoughts. He looked at them both for a moment, then said, "Anyway. I couldn’t believe your mother came from Muggles. I thought she must be a pure-blood. She was so talented."

"Muggle?" Elsa whispered. Harry leaned toward her and whispered back, "Non-wizard."

"A very good friend of mine is Muggleborn, and she’s the best in our year," Harry said aloud.

Slughorn frowned. "Strange how that sometimes happens, isn’t it?" he said and glanced briefly at Elsa.

"Not really," Harry replied coolly.

Slughorn’s eyes widened. "Please, don’t get me wrong! I have no prejudice whatsoever. Over the years, I’ve given many of my students the little push they needed for their careers! Look here! Dirk Cresswell, Muggleborn and currently head of the Goblin Liaison Office! Gwenog Jones-"

Slughorn had now gained momentum and was on his feet, smiling proudly at the sideboard filled with photos in shiny frames. Harry turned to Elsa and rolled his eyes, causing her to stifle a snort.

"And all these people know where to find you?" Elsa asked, and the smile on Slughorn’s face vanished.

"Well, no. Of course not. I haven’t been in contact with anyone for a year," he said slowly, and Elsa heard a note of sadness. She had the feeling Slughorn was deeply attached to his protégés.

He shrugged. "There’s no other way. If I take a position at Hogwarts in these times... I might as well paint a target on my chest!"

He really would be an easy target, she thought dryly.

"You don’t have to fight Voldemort or join the Order of the Phoenix," Harry said, and Elsa saw Slughorn flinch at the name Voldemort. And who was the Order of the Phoenix? What was that all about?

"As far as I know, most teachers aren’t in the Order, and even if they were, Hogwarts is the safest place. Voldemort has always feared Dumbledore. And that hasn’t changed," Harry continued.

Slughorn stared into space and seemed to think about Harry’s words when suddenly the door opened and Dumbledore came in with Anna in tow.

Slughorn stood up. "There you are, Albus. Took you long enough. Upset stomach?"

"No, I was reading Muggle magazines," Dumbledore said, but Anna pinched her nose behind him and shook her head.

"Anna!" Elsa hissed silently, but beside her, Harry started to snicker, and Dumbledore just smiled at them all.

He looked around. "Well, we’ve taken advantage of Horace’s hospitality long enough. It’s time to go; after all, you’ve all had a long day."

Elsa and Harry gladly obeyed and jumped up from the couch. Slughorn looked distraught. "You’re leaving already?"

Dumbledore looked at Slughorn over his half-moon glasses. "Yes, indeed. I believe I know when something is a lost cause, Horace. Hogwarts would have loved to see you again, but our paths diverge once more."

"Yes… well… see again… what I actually meant to say…"

"Then goodbye," Dumbledore said.

"Bye," Harry said.

"Ciao," Anna called.

Elsa looked back once more and finally said, "All the best."

They had just stepped beyond the door when a voice called after them. "Alright, I’ll do it!"

They turned and saw Slughorn standing breathless in the doorway. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "You want to come out of retirement?"

"Yes, yes," Slughorn replied. "I must be crazy, but yes."

"Wonderful," Dumbledore said, beaming, and Elsa had the uneasy feeling that she and Harry had just been used.

"Then we’ll see you on the first of September," Dumbledore said.

"Looks like it," Slughorn grumbled and slammed the door behind him.

Dumbledore turned to them and held out his hand.

Anna just sighed and touched his arm. "I hope you still have some of those lemon drops, Professor."

"Of course, but for most, the second time apparating is far more pleasant," Dumbledore said.

"I kind of doubt that," Anna said with an already pale face, and Elsa and Harry touched Dumbledore’s arm. There was a soft pop, and they vanished from the spot.

Chapter Text

“There we are! Number twelve, Grimmauld Place,” Dumbledore said cheerfully. Elsa and Anna gasped as a third house suddenly appeared between numbers eleven and thirteen.

Dumbledore turned to Harry. “Well, after you, Harry. It is yours now, after all.”

Harry looked at the house for a moment, then sighed and stepped inside.

“After you two,” Dumbledore added kindly. “And try to stay as quiet as possible until we reach the kitchen. We don’t want to… wake anything unwanted.”

Elsa looked at Anna, who only shrugged, and they followed Harry through the old door. Elsa had the impression that no one had lived in the house for years or even decades. Old gas lamps hung on the walls, casting flickering light over peeling wallpaper. The floorboards creaked beneath her feet, adding to the hallway’s grim, foreboding atmosphere.

“This way,” Dumbledore murmured, his voice like a whisper in an abandoned house. Elsa had to suppress a shiver.

At the far end of the hall, a door stood open. Elsa walked toward it. It led into a simple kitchen, but at least it was clean and didn’t have the same eerie darkness as the hallway.

Inside, Harry stood next to an older man in shabby robes with mouse-grey hair.

“This is Remus Lupin,” Dumbledore explained. “He was once a professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts and will be tutoring you for the remainder of the summer.”

“Professor, good to see you!” Lupin said with a smile, but there was sorrow in his eyes. Elsa recognised the look. It was the same one her parents wore whenever her magic surfaced.

“Likewise, Remus,” Dumbledore smiled. “If you’ll excuse us, Harry, there’s something I’d like to say to you… in private.”

Harry frowned but followed Dumbledore out of the kitchen. Anna sat down at the table with Remus.

“So, why did we have to stay quiet in the hallway, Professor?” she asked curiously.

“Anna!” Elsa hissed, but Lupin gave a small smile.

“It’s alright. And I’m not a professor any more - just call me Lupin, or Remus, if you like. May I call you Anna?”

“Sure! So why the silence?”

“Well,” Remus asked, raising an eyebrow, “did Dumbledore tell you where you are?”

Elsa and Anna both shook their heads.

“No? Alright. In the wizarding world, there are a few very old families, and the Blacks were one of them. Grimmauld Place is their ancestral home, and until recently, it belonged to Sirius Black - Harry’s godfather.”

“Until recently? Did he sell it?”

A shadow passed over Remus’ face. “No. Harry inherited it from Sirius.”

Elsa’s eyes widened. “He’s… dead? Harry’s godfather died?”

Remus grimaced. “Well-”

“He was killed,” came a voice from the door. Elsa turned to see Harry standing there. His eyes looked tired, and he let out a long breath.

“I’ll take the same room as last time, Remus. Good night,” Harry said, not looking at any of them. He left the kitchen without another word.

Dumbledore entered in his place. “Now, the two of you, we’ll likely see each other again on the first of September at Hogwarts. Your letters contain the train tickets, and if you have any questions, you may direct them to Remus,” Dumbledore said, nodding gratefully to him. “He’s kindly agreed to watch over you and tutor you so you won’t fall behind once the school year begins.”

“Thank you, Professor,” Anna said quietly, seemingly shaken by what she’d just learned.

Elsa had wanted to ask Dumbledore something, but in the next moment, he was gone.

“I hate Apparition,” she muttered, folding her arms.

Remus chuckled softly. “You’ll get used to it. Now, sit down - you must have questions.”

Elsa took a seat as well, and Remus drew his wand. With two flicks in the air, two mugs came flying over. Elsa took hers and peered inside.

“Hot chocolate!” Anna cheered, raising the mug to her lips. “Ahh,” she sighed, and when she set it down, she had a full chocolate moustache around her mouth.

“There’s nothing better in life!”

Elsa snorted softly and took a sip herself, feeling the warm drink heat her from the inside.

“So, back to your question, Anna,” Remus began. “The house belonged to Sirius’ family, and his family was… let’s say, particular. Especially his mother.”

Elsa leaned in. “Were they pure-bloods?”

Remus raised an eyebrow and nodded. “Did Harry tell you that?”

“No, but Slughorn mentioned it a few times. And Harry didn’t sound thrilled whenever he brought it up,” Elsa said quietly.

Remus nodded understandingly. “You should know, there are some witches and wizards who are… let’s say, think of themselves as overly self-important. They believe they’re better than those who aren’t of pure magical descent. Which, of course, is complete nonsense.”

“And the Blacks were like that?” Anna asked.

“Yep,” said Remus. “Sirius was the first to break away from all that. The white sheep of the family, so to speak,” he added with a chuckle. “He ran away at sixteen and moved in with Harry’s dad, James. His mother always hated him, and her portrait in the hallway made sure he heard it loud and clear.”

Elsa frowned. “The portrait?”

Remus nodded. “Portraits in the wizarding world can talk, and move within their frames.”

Anna’s mouth fell open. “Wow. Can I get one for myself?”

“Sure, but they’re rather expensive,” Remus replied.

Anna sighed. “Alright, so there’s a portrait of Sirius’s mum in the hall?”

“Exactly. And it’d be best not to wake her. She’s quite moody, especially since Sirius was the only one who could calm her down,” Remus muttered.

The lights in the kitchen flickered, casting a long shadow down the hallway. “And what does all this have to do with Voldemort?” Elsa asked.

“You-Know-Who?” Remus asked, frowning. “Didn’t Dumbledore tell you?”

Both Anna and Elsa shook their heads. Elsa felt like she’d done that a lot today.

Remus ran a hand over his face. “Albus told me your parents were informed… Anyway, I suppose it can wait until tomorrow-”

“No!” Elsa said, and her mug of hot chocolate froze solid in her hands.

She looked down at the frozen drink and muttered, “Damn.” She set the mug aside. “I need to know about this Voldemort. Please, Remus.”

Remus looked from her to Anna, who was giving him the same wide, pleading eyes. He sighed at last. “Alright. But I’m getting myself a butterbeer - this is going to take a while.”

"Ugh!"

Harry shielded his eyes with his hand. Sunlight poured through the window, and the cool, fresh air made him pull the blanket tighter around himself. He lay still and motionless, trying to calm the pounding of his heart.

"Another nightmare," Harry muttered to himself, hearing the flutter of wings and feeling a light weight on his arm. He peeked through his fingers and saw that Hedwig had made herself comfortable on his arm.

A sense of calm washed over him, dissolving the terror of his dream.

Harry raised his other hand and gently began stroking Hedwig's feathers. "It was the same dream again, Hedwig. Always that damned department at the ministry... and how Sirius falls through the veil. Ouch!"

Hedwig had tilted her head and started tapping Harry on the forehead with her beak.

"Stop it already, Hedwig!" Harry snapped and pushed her away. She landed on a chair.

"What was that for?!" Harry grunted, and Hedwig stared at him coldly and insistently. She flew from the chair and picked up his T-shirt with her beak. Hedwig flew back to the bed and dropped it onto Harry's face.

"Ugh," Harry groaned, pulling the shirt off his face. "You want me to get dressed?"

Hedwig landed next to him on the bed and squawked once. She began poking him again when he dawdled.

"Merlin, you’re worse than Hermione today," Harry muttered after he had dressed. He stood in the doorway to the hall and turned back once more. "Wanna come along? I’m sure Anna and Elsa would love to meet you."

Hedwig didn’t need to be asked twice and flew from the bed to his outstretched arm. She climbed up until she perched on his shoulder and affectionately nipped his ear.

"I know... I just miss him," Harry muttered, as he walked down the hall, when suddenly, he heard a scream. A door to his left burst open, and Anna stuck her head out. Her hair was a tangled mess from sleep and she was still wearing her sleeping clothes. She had clearly just woken up.

"Was that Elsa?!"

Harry nodded slowly. "I think so."

Anna’s eyes widened, and she shut her door behind her. Barely two seconds later, she emerged, already dressed in a green dress with her hair combed and tied into a quick ponytail.

How did she do that?

They went to Elsa’s door, and Anna knocked. "Elsa? Are you okay?"

"I need help!" came Elsa’s muffled voice. Anna grabbed the doorknob and burst into the room. Harry and Hedwig exchanged a look, shrugged, and followed Anna in.

At the foot of the bed, Harry saw Elsa’s suitcase open. She must have been unpacking, as the bed was covered with her things, but the girl in question was nowhere in sight.

"Elsa, where are you?" Anna called.

"H-Here!" came her voice from the right, behind another door. Anna was about to go when Harry grabbed her shoulder.

"Wait, Anna. This house is anything but friendly," Harry said.

Anna frowned. "Friendly? I’ve never heard of a friendly house."

Harry’s eyes darted past her. "The Black family was full of dark wizards, Anna. The house is saturated with dark magic. We spent all last summer trying to make it liveable again, but maybe we missed something."

Anna’s eyes widened. "Elsa might be in danger?"

Harry nodded and drew his wand. "Stay behind me."

Anna nodded, and Harry approached the door. He grasped the knob, turned it until he heard a click, and pulled it open.

A warm mist rolled out, and he caught a glimpse of something blonde before his glasses fogged up.

"Harry, what do you see? Is Elsa okay?"

"I can’t see a thing! My glasses are fogged!" 

"The half-blood can’t see… Oh, how unworthy Kreacher’s new master is."

"Kreacher?!"

"Harry? He’s here?!" Elsa shouted.

"Elsa!" Anna called, peering past Harry. She tried to stifle her grin but burst out laughing when she saw her.

"Elsa! What did you do?" Anna giggled. "You’re naked!"

"What’s going on?" Harry asked, while Hedwig clacked her beak and covered his eyes with her wing. Elsa lay in the bathtub, but instead of water, she was frozen up to her neck in ice.

"I didn’t mean to! That thing startled me and then-"

"Kreacher is not a thing… Kreacher was cleaning when Kreacher was disturbed by the mudblood," the old house-elf grunted.

"Kreacher!" Harry barked, behind Hedwig’s wing. "Out of the room! And never enter Elsa’s or Anna’s rooms again!"

Harry’s eyes then widened, and he quickly added, "But you’re not allowed to leave the house!"

"As the master wishes." Kreacher bowed and disappeared with a pop.

"What was that?" Elsa asked slowly.

"A house-elf," Harry answered. "They serve old wizarding families. There are loads at Hogwarts… You usually don’t notice them, but Kreacher’s just nuts."

Anna was still giggling and went over to Elsa. "Need help?"

"Please," Elsa pleaded. Anna went to the tap and turned on the hot water full blast.

"I just wanted a hot bath," Elsa muttered. "Then that… Kreacher came in and scared me so badly that the water froze."

Anna giggled. "Well, good thing the hot water was slowly melting the ice. Otherwise, you might’ve given Harry a real show!"

Elsa blushed and looked over at Harry, standing in the doorway, with his back turned, but she could see his ears were completely red.

He scratched his head awkwardly. "Well, I don’t think I’m needed here any more. I’d better go."

He disappeared through the door, but Hedwig flew from his shoulder to the tub and nestled against Elsa’s cheek, who still couldn’t move.

Elsa flinched at first, fearing she might freeze the owl, but nothing happened. She sighed quietly because the feathers were so soft and warm.

"Who’s the owl?" Anna asked.

"That’s my owl, Hedwig," came Harry’s voice from Elsa’s room. "Just - Just bring her down later."

They heard footsteps and the closing of a door. For a moment, all was silent until Anna and Elsa looked at each other, and both burst into laughter.

"I haven’t laughed like that in ages," Elsa giggled, her cheeks flushed.

Anna nodded, kneeling by Hedwig and gently stroking her feathers with a finger.

"She’s beautiful," Anna whispered. Elsa nodded, and Hedwig puffed out her chest proudly.

Anna giggled and sighed. She looked at the ice. "Why didn’t you ever tell me?"

Elsa looked back in silence. The stillness stretched like a rubber band ready to snap.

"You couldn’t remember the accident, and Grand Pabbie made sure you wouldn’t remember the rest of my magic either. What good would it have done to tell you?" Elsa asked, but as she saw Anna’s face, she regretted the words as soon as they left her lips. She opened her mouth, but whatever she meant to say vanished.

"Wanna know something?" Anna finally asked, not waiting for a response. "I always knew we used to play together as kids. I never forgot that. But then, one day, you stopped. You barely said a word to me. And I kept trying, trying to reach out, but every time, I got the same answer: No."

"Anna-"

"And I thought I was the problem. A freak!" A dull thump echoed from the hallway, but Anna ignored it. "But the truth is, I was never the problem. You were."

Elsa’s face hardened, and her voice trembled. "I’m not a freak."

Anna looked down at her sister. "I never said you were. But you are a coward. You’re afraid - ow!"

Anna grabbed her finger - Hedwig had bitten her hard. Elsa’s eyes widened at the sight of blood.

"Anna, you’re hurt!" Elsa cried.

Anna looked at Hedwig, who stared at her sternly. "Yeah, but I probably deserved it. I’m sorry - I went too far."

Elsa shrugged. "It’s fine… I wasn’t a good big sister to you."

Anna sat on the edge of the tub. The ice had melted enough that Elsa could move her legs again. "Can’t you make the ice disappear?"

Elsa hesitated. "I’ve never tried before," she admitted. "I mostly just tried not to use magic at all. I didn’t want to hurt anyone again," she whispered.

Anna understood what wasn’t said: I didn’t want to hurt you again.

"You’re right. You weren’t a good big sister," Anna said, and Elsa stared at the bare wall. "But you can be one. But you have to let it happen, Elsa. You can’t be afraid of your powers. You have a chance to make real friends - friends with magic like you!"

"Harry seems like a good friend, even if he seems a bit depressed - he probably could use a bit more hot chocolate," Anna muttered. Elsa giggled, and Anna raised an eyebrow.

"I’ve never heard you laugh so much as recently," Anna said with a grin - then her face grew serious again.

"Elsa, I’ll always be by your side. But you have to let me in," she said, reaching out her hand. "Let me in."

Their fingertips touched, and Elsa gasped as the ice disappeared.

"How did you do that?" Anna asked.

Elsa stared at her hands. "I don’t know. I really don’t know."

Elsa came down the stairs, past the ghastly curtain. Her thoughts were all jumbled from what had happened that morning. 

How had she thawed the ice?

She took a deep breath and felt a bit more confident as she entered the kitchen.

There, Anna, Harry, and Lupin were already waiting for her. They sat together at the table. Lupin was reading a book while Anna was talking with Harry, watching him feed Hedwig with small slices of bacon. That surprised her.

"Hedwig eats bacon… Do owls do that?" Elsa asked, and when Harry’s green eyes flicked over to her, she had to recall the moment when Harry had last stood across from her.

She felt her face grow warm, and Harry didn’t look much better. Anna giggled at them, and Elsa sat down across from them.

"Let’s just say, Hedwig is a special owl," Harry replied and turned to Anna. "Still sorry she hurt you. Hedwig normally doesn’t do that."

Anna shook her head. "It was my fault. Elsa and I… we had a little fight, and I went too far. Hedwig kept me from making a complete fool of myself."

Hedwig nodded up and down as if she agreed with Anna.

"Hmm, still. Hedwig shouldn’t meddle in others’ business," Harry argued and gave his owl a scolding look. The owl looked at him incredulously at first and then ignored him in favour of another piece of bacon.

"Well, now that we’re all here," Lupin began, "we can get started. These are the books we’ll work through this summer.”

"Which books?" Anna asked, and Lupin snapped his wand. Two dozen books landed on the table with a loud plop.

"These books," Lupin said.

Anna’s eyes widened. "By the end of the holidays? We’ll never make it! That’s only-"

She began counting on her fingers, but luckily Harry helped her out.

"Seven weeks," Harry said, and even he looked wide-eyed at the books. 

Not even Hermione could manage that!

"It’s not that bad," Lupin smiled. "If you work with focus, we’ll get through the first and second year this week."

Lupin handed Elsa a book. Magical Theory was written on the spine.

"Professor McGonagall uses A Beginner’s Guide to Transfiguration for first years, Professor Flitwick uses the book you’re holding, Elsa, in Charms," Lupin explained.

"But since you’re, thankfully, a few years older than, say, Harry was when he last worked with that book, it shouldn’t be a problem for you two to get through it quickly. After all, it was written for the pace and complexity of an eleven-year-old."

Harry rubbed his chin. "Somewhere in your words, I feel a personal insult."

Anna sniggered and Lupin winked at him. "And when it comes to the subject of Defence Against the Dark Arts... even Harry had very limited instruction in his first two years."

Harry snorted. "Once it was Voldemort, and the second time it was pretty boy, Lockhart. You’re still the best teacher to date, Remus."

"Anyway, it only gets actually difficult starting in the third year," Lupin continued.

"Why?" Elsa asked curiously. She was excited to finally learn something about magic!

"Well, you’ll have to choose your electives. Depending on the subject, we’ll only be able to help to a certain extent," Lupin explained. "If, for example, you take Divination, only Harry will be able to help you. I took Ancient Runes when I was at school."

Harry raised his hand. "Wait a second – I’m supposed to help?"

"Of course. Didn’t Dumbledore mention that?"

"Uhm – Maybe?"

Remus rolled his eyes. "It certainly wouldn’t hurt you to refresh your old knowledge, Harry. After all, your N.E.W.T.’s are coming up soon."

Harry let his head fall onto the table. "But I just finished my O.W.L.’s!" he complained.

"Then you’ll be pleased to know that Mad-Eye wants to pay you a visit."

Harry jolted upright and turned pale. "Why?"

"I would prefer it when Mad-Eye helps me when Elsa is testing out her magic. And on the side, I asked him if he had time to train you."

Harry slumped back into his chair. "I heard what Tonks had to go through when Mad-Eye trained her. I am so dead."

Anna patted him gently on the arm while Lupin smirked at them both. Anna then turned to Lupin. "Um, Professor-"

"Please, call me Lupin or Remus," Lupin interrupted.

Anna nodded. "So Remus," she said, "Did Dumbledore tell you that I… well-"

"Can’t do magic?" Remus finished gently.

Anna nodded hesitantly. "Yes, he did. But you’re still expected to gain some basic knowledge, which means you’ll also be spending your summer studying. The only restriction is that for Charms and Transfiguration, you’ll only be doing the theory. Anything else would just not make sense," Remus explained.

"But you can still earn a degree at Hogwarts, and there are quite a few professions in the wizarding world that don’t require magic," Remus explained.

"Really?" Elsa asked curiously.

Remus nodded. "Yes, sadly Britain is still a bit behind on that topic. Many Squibs have been very successful in other countries, even with little to no magic."

"Wow," Anna said, then nervously asked, "So I can stay in the wizarding world later?"

Remus hesitated for a moment, which both Elsa and Harry noticed, but finally nodded. "Yes, you can."

Elsa saw Anna’s beaming face as she grabbed three books at once.

"When can we start?"

Chapter Text

"Wotcher, Harry."

Harry looked at her with confusion. "Tonks? What are you doing here?"

"Mad-Eye didn’t have time. He mumbled something about a mission for Dumbledore, so I asked if I could come!" she said and grinned at him.

"Mad-Eye’s not coming?" Harry said, grinning, but it quickly vanished from his face when Tonks raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, don’t think it’s going to be easier with me, Scarface," Tonks said, twirling her finger in front of his face. "Remember, Moody trained me, and if I know one thing, it’s how tough that training was. And I have no hesitation in making sure it’s not any easier for you."

Harry let his shoulders drop. "Merlin, what did I do to deserve this?"

Tonks walked up to him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, even though she tripped on her foot at the first step and nearly fell flat on her face.

"You’ve got a nose-less stalker on your tail who doesn’t take no for an answer," Tonks said.

Harry lifted his head and chuckled. "I’ll have to remember that the next time I meet Voldemort."

Tonks laughed too. "Maybe you just need to tell him you’re not interested. Maybe then he’ll leave you alone."

...the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord...

Harry shook his head as the words of the prophecy ran through his mind. The hall door opened, and Remus entered, closely followed by Anna and Elsa.

Harry wasn’t quite sure what to make of the two. Anna was a lively person, always looking for excitement, but Harry liked her. When he spent time with Anna, he didn’t have time to think about Sirius. She didn’t allow it.

Elsa was completely different. She was quiet and withdrawn, and the recent argument with her sister Anna had clearly affected her, since she tried to stay out of conversations entirely.

Harry could relate to that. But Hedwig seemed to like her, and that meant, in Harry’s book, Elsa must be okay.

"I didn’t expect you when Moody said he couldn’t come," Remus admitted.

"Ha! I’ve always wanted to make Potter jump when he has to dodge my spells," laughed Tonks.

"Ha-ha," Harry said, shoving Tonks, who only didn’t fall over because Remus caught her by the shoulders. Her hair immediately turned dark pink.

"How did she do that?" Anna gasped beside Harry. The two girls stood just behind him.

"She’s a Metamorph-"

"I’m a Metamorphmagus," Tonks corrected and changed her hair colour to Anna’s red and then to Elsa’s blonde.

"Wow," Anna said, eyes wide. "Can you learn that?"

Tonks shook her head, her hair turning mouse grey. "I’m afraid you have to be born with it. Plus, it’s very rare. As far as I know, I’m the only Metamorph in all of Britain."

Anna glanced at Elsa. "Just like you, huh? So, you’re not the only one with extraordinary magic!"

Elsa made a face, and Harry frowned. Why does Elsa dislike her magic so much?

Remus coughed into his hand to draw attention. "Well, we’ll be visiting Diagon Alley once the owls arrive with your school supplies," Remus said, then looked at Elsa. "And of course, Elsa still needs her wand."

Anna grinned at Elsa, and Harry saw her mouth curve slightly into a grin, too.

"Wait, we already have our Hogwarts letters!" Anna said. "Professor Dumbledore gave them to us."

"Dumbledore," Remus sighed quietly. "But we’ll still have to wait for Harry’s letter. I’d much prefer we all go to Diagon Alley together rather than separately."

Remus clapped his hands together. "So, who can show me the wand movement used to turn a matchstick into a needle?"

Anna frowned at first, then smacked her fist into her palm. She was just about to open her mouth when Elsa said, "There is no wand movement. All you need is to point your wand at the match and clearly imagine the needle in your mind."

Anna pouted, and Tonks let out a whistle. "I couldn’t have said it better myself. You sounded almost like old McGonagall."

Remus nodded approvingly. "If I could award house points, I would. You’re completely right, even though the hardest part is imagining the needle with all its properties."

"Anna, what’s the incantation for that wand movement?" Remus asked and made a circular motion with his wand.

Anna frowned. "An Engorgement Charm?"

Remus smiled encouragingly. "Is that a question or an answer?"

Anna rolled her eyes. "It’s an Engorgement Charm."

Remus nodded again, this time satisfied. "Very good. You’ve both been studying well."

"I’ve never learned so much as this morning," Anna said, holding her head like it was about to explode. "But it’s fun!"

Harry snorted. "Wait until you meet Snape. He’s the ultimate killjoy at Hogwarts."

"Seriously?" Anna asked.

"My name’s not Sirius, it’s Harry," and both Remus and Tonks groaned.

"Please don’t do that again, Harry," Tonks groaned.

Elsa tilted her head. "Why not?"

Tonks sighed. "My cousin, and also Harry’s godfather, had a thing for that pun. We heard it all the time!"

Anna giggled. "Sounds like a fun guy!"

Harry’s gaze dropped. "Yeah… he was."

Anna’s eyes widened. "Shit – Sorry, Harry. I didn’t mean to,"

Harry looked up and shrugged. "It’s fine, Anna."

Remus sighed softly. "So, what we’re going to do now, Elsa, is test your magic."

Elsa instinctively took a step back. "I don’t know if that’s a good idea."

"You came to learn to control your powers, didn’t you?" Remus asked gently.

Elsa’s eyes flicked from Remus to Tonks, then to Harry, and finally to Anna.

"I don’t want to hurt anyone," she said quietly.

Remus stepped forward, but Harry beat him to it. "You won’t hurt anyone," he said firmly. "And even if you did, there’s nothing magic can’t heal, right?"

Elsa smiled faintly and nodded. Harry stepped aside, and Elsa stood before them in the room.

She raised her hand and then turned back questioningly, "What exactly should I do?"

Harry snorted, and Anna giggled. Elsa gave them both a sharp look, but you could see her cheeks turn slightly red.

Remus thought for a moment. "How about a snowman?"

Elsa nodded. "Alright. Should I try now?"

"Wait a second," Remus said and signalled to Tonks. Both drew their wands and got ready.

"Go ahead," Tonks said cheerfully, though her eyes were focused.

Elsa swallowed hard and let her magic flow. Harry blinked, and when he opened his eyes, the whole hall was filled with snow. The floor was covered in ice, and on the far side, dozens of snowballs had formed, each as big as Harry.

"Wow," Harry said, eyes wide. "That’s incredible!"

Elsa turned around, eyes wide. "Is anyone hurt? Did I hurt anyone?!"

"Elsa, look down," Anna said. Elsa looked down and saw a line behind her where not a single snowflake had landed.

"Did you do that?" Harry asked Remus.

But he shook his head. "No, we did nothing. Honestly, neither Tonks nor I expected such power," Remus said, and Elsa bent down to inspect the line where the ice stopped.

"Then I did that?" Elsa murmured and looked hopefully into Remus’s eyes.

Remus nodded with a warm smile. "You didn’t want to hurt us, Elsa. That alone made it happen."

Elsa beamed at Anna, who returned the grin, and Harry gave her two thumbs up.

Elsa looked at her hands. "I really can do it! I can control it!"

Tonks cleared her throat as she eyed the snow in front of them. "Well, controlling it still needs a bit of work."

Tonks waved her wand through the air, and all the ice disappeared. Then she grinned at Harry.

"So, Harry. Ready to cry?"

A shiver went through Harry. "Keep dreaming, Nymphadora."

"You dare?!" Tonks shouted and started firing spells at Harry, who quickly began ducking and jumping to the side.

"No one calls me that except my mother! And even she shouldn’t!" Tonks growled.

While Tonks was bombarding Harry, Remus walked over to Elsa and held out an empty jug.

Elsa frowned. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

"Fill it," Remus replied. "But only exactly up to the rim. Once you’ve done that, we’ll try something else."

Elsa took the jug and placed it on the floor. She stretched out her hands and closed her eyes. Deep within, she felt the source of her magic, lurking and just waiting to burst out. But Elsa didn’t want what had just happened to repeat itself.

You have to imagine clearly how the match becomes the needle.

Those were the words Remus had said to her earlier. She focused on the image in her mind and pushed through the barrier of her magic. But unlike before, she let only a small stream of power through.

"You did it, Elsa!" Anna shouted beside her.

Elsa opened her eyes. The jug was filled with snow, but there was a little mound poking above the rim.

"You’re close," Remus said, and Elsa wiped her forehead.

"That was harder than what I just did," she said.

Remus nodded. "Letting magic burst out in all directions? Even children can do that. It usually happens when they feel very strong emotions like happiness, but also with anger. But controlling magic and shaping it into your will? That’s much harder."

Elsa looked up. "How can I control it better?"

Remus tilted his head, grinning. "You try again. Until you can control it."

He flicked his wand, and the jug was empty once more. Elsa sighed.

"Cut it out already, Tonks!" she heard Harry call.

So, she tried again. Elsa heard a short scream, and then it went quiet. She opened her eyes and saw that the jug was covered with ice. But that wasn’t all. The ice had spread from the jug across the floor to the other side of the hall, where Harry and Tonks were.

Elsa spun around and saw Tonks standing over Harry with her wand drawn. Harry lay sprawled on the floor, his legs wide apart. Under his feet was ice and snow.

"And that’s what you get for calling me by the wrong name," Tonks said and flicked her wand.

"Oi, oi, Tonks!" Harry yelled as his shoes started dancing, sliding farther apart until he was nearly doing a split.

"Yes, Harry? Got a problem?" Tonks asked with a wicked grin, and Anna began giggling beside her.

Elsa’s shock had faded from her face, and a smile had taken its place.

"Tonks, I’m pretty sure neither Lily nor James wanted Harry to… lose his manhood," Remus said.

Tonks winked at Elsa once more and gave Harry one last stinging hex on his bum before cancelling the dancing spell.

Harry still toppled over face-first and gave Tonks a vicious glare. "What was that for?"

Tonks twirled her wand through her fingers until it accidentally slipped from her hand, and she caught it at the last second. "You know exactly why, Harry. Besides, a little bird told me your head is still stuck on what happened before the summer."

"Fine," Harry let out a long breath and got to his feet.

Elsa couldn’t help but laugh when she saw him: His glasses were crooked, his black hair messier than usual, and on his chin, nose, and even eyelashes, he had a thick white beard made entirely of snow.

"Looks good," she giggled, biting her lip.

"Very funny," Harry grumbled, brushing the snow off his face.

Anna let herself fall onto Elsa’s bed, completely exhausted. “You know, Remus may look nice, but he’s a real slave driver. My head is pounding from all that studying!”

Elsa sighed and carefully walked over to Anna. She touched Anna’s forehead, and her sister sighed in relief. “Oh, nice and cold… Now, if I had a chocolate cake, I could fall asleep.”

Elsa took her hand off Anna’s forehead and sat down on the bed next to her. “I think Remus means well… and I wouldn’t say no to a chocolate cake either.”

Anna sat up and then suddenly asked, “I wonder what Hogwarts will be like. This house is full of magic, but also kind of creepy.”

Elsa nodded and pulled her legs up. “That’s true. Harry and Remus both said that the family was a bit unhinged.”

A pleasant silence settled between the sisters, interrupted only by a sudden shout from Harry, whose voice they could hear muffled from his room. “Hedwig, cut it out! You don’t need my glasses!”

Elsa giggled and looked over at Anna, who was smiling at her. “What is it?” Elsa asked, resting her head on her knees.

“This,” Anna said and pointed with a finger between them. “I’ve missed this so much. The whole world could fall into chaos, and I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

Elsa raised an eyebrow. “Even if there was no more chocolate cake?”

Anna started to pout, but Elsa stood up and held out her hand to her. “Are you sure?” Anna asked hesitantly.

Elsa nodded confidently. Anna grabbed Elsa’s hand, and for the first time in years, touched her sister. Anna sobbed and wrapped her arms around her sister.

“I’ve m-missed you so much,” Anna cried, and Elsa returned the hug. Anna laid her head on her shoulder, and Elsa could feel her trembling.

Elsa gently pushed her back. “Are you cold?” she asked, concerned.

Anna wiped the tears from her eyes. “No, I’m just happy.”

Elsa smiled softly and tucked a strand of hair behind Anna’s ear. “Me too,” she whispered. Then she pulled Anna back into the hug, and they stood there, close together, as if this embrace could make up for all the lost time.

After a few minutes, Anna pulled back a little, sniffled, and grinned through her tears. “So… cake?”

Elsa chuckled. “Yes, cake. I think we should ask Harry, but I am not sure if he will agree.”

“I think it depends on who’s asking,” Anna said, her eyes sparkling knowingly. “You probably wouldn’t have much trouble.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Elsa asked with a frown, but Anna pulled Elsa by her hand out of Elsa’s room toward Harry’s door as if nothing had happened.

“You should knock,” Elsa replied, half-threatening, half-amused.

“Right, we don’t want the same thing to happen as this morning,” Anna said, giggling.

Elsa blushed and rolled her eyes. She stepped past Anna and knocked twice on the door.

“YES?” came Harry’s voice. Elsa waited for Anna to say something, but she just grinned at her.

Elsa sighed and called, “Can we ask you something?”

“Bloody hell, Hedwig, stop that,” they heard from behind the door. It took a short moment and some rustling at the door before Harry opened it.

When he saw Elsa, his ears turned red, and he quickly looked from her to Anna. “What’s up?”

Anna rolled her eyes as Elsa gave her a pointed look and said, “We’re in the mood for some chocolate cake. Do you think there’s anything downstairs in the kitchen?”

Harry ran a hand through his hair just as Hedwig came and settled on his head. She tugged at his hair with her beak until she settled down contentedly and closed her eyes.

“I honestly have no idea.”

“What about, uh… Kreacher?” Anna asked.

“I wouldn’t eat even the most delicious chocolate cake in the world if it came from him!” With a furious gleam in her eyes, Elsa paused and took a deep breath to calm herself.

Harry chuckled until he caught her glare. He gulped and quickly raised his hands in defence to appease her.

“I wouldn’t eat anything from Kreacher either. I’m sure he’d mix dead flies or maggots into the dough... or something like that.”

Elsa and Anna both made disgusted faces. “We’ll pass on that,” Elsa said dryly.

Harry grinned, and Elsa looked into his eyes. The green just reminded her of the trees and flowers in the gardens of Arendelle…

Harry suddenly stepped past them. “Before Kreacher ends up making us something, we’d better ask Remus.”

Elsa and Anna both shuddered and quickly followed Harry down the stairs.

At the landing, Anna said, “Harry-”

“Shh!” Harry hissed, and Anna fell silent as they passed by the cursed portrait.

Downstairs, all three of them saw that the kitchen door was open and light was shining through. Voices came from the kitchen.

“Remus, would you just listen to me already!”

Anna suddenly grabbed Harry’s shirt. Harry turned to her questioningly.

“What is it? That was just Tonks,” Harry said.

Anna’s eyes were wide. “It sounded personal,” she murmured.

Harry frowned just as Remus’s voice rang out again.

“You don’t know what you’re doing, Tonks. I’m a werewolf.” Elsa gasped and stared at Harry, but judging by his unsurprised face, he already knew.

“I don’t care if you’re a werewolf! It doesn’t bother me!”

“But it bothers me!” Remus shouted, and they heard chairs scraping. “You can’t love me!”

“Oh, shit,” Harry muttered and pulled Elsa and Anna back up the hallway. As soon as he did, they saw Tonks burst out of the kitchen downstairs.

“She’s crying,” Anna said softly. “Shouldn’t we-?”

Just as Tonks hissed and Disapparated, narrowly avoiding a collision with the umbrella stand, the situation managed to get even worse. The curtains of the portrait flew open, and the woman in the painting was anything but pleased.

“Filthy scum! Spawn of dirt and vermin! How dare you defile the house of my ancestors! If I were still alive, I’d strangle you with my own hands!”

Harry stormed down the stairs and tried to pull the curtains closed. The witch paused for a moment in the painting when she recognised Harry. “You! Shame upon the house of my blood, a half-blood daring to walk these floors!”

“Shut your trap, you miserable slobbering hag!” Harry shouted and called to Anna, “Anna! Help me with the curtains!”

Together, the two of them tried to close the curtains, but without success. It was as if some invisible force was preventing them, and no matter how hard Anna or Harry pulled, the screaming didn’t stop.

Elsa gathered her courage and shouted, “Step aside! Both of you!”

Anna and Harry let go of the curtains, and Elsa raised her hands toward the portrait. A wave of ice burst from her hands and shot toward the painting, stopping just inches before it. Elsa felt a resistance against which her magic pushed, until she reached deeper within herself and summoned even more strength. The screaming ceased, and Elsa staggered slightly until Harry caught her by the shoulders.

“That was more exhausting than I thought,” Elsa yawned sleepily.

“You can say that again,” Harry said dryly, and they looked at the portrait in front of them, now completely frozen in ice.

“Who. Was. That?” Anna asked with wide eyes.

Harry let out a long breath. “That was Walburga Black. Sirius’s mother. The foulest mouth I’ve ever met.”

“You can say that again,” Elsa said, stepping away from Harry. “I’ve never learned so many swear words all at once.”

Chapter Text

The school letters arrived the next day.

"Are you all ready?"

Elsa looked to the left and right and saw neither Anna nor Harry standing beside her.

"Um, the two of them aren’t here," Elsa remarked dryly.

Remus frowned. "I told them we’d have to get up early." He sighed and leaned against the fireplace. Elsa heard a fluttering sound and saw Hedwig fly into the room.

Unconsciously, a smile formed on her lips as she saw the snowy owl and reached out her hand to her. Hedwig landed and gently nipped at her ear.

"Hedwig, do you know where my sister and Harry are?"

Hedwig bobbed her head up and down. She then closed her eyes, leaned against Elsa, and let out a slow clattering sound that sounded like snoring.

Elsa giggled and stroked Hedwig between the eyes with her finger. "Can you wake them up? We’re going to Diagon Alley today, and we have to get up early."

Hedwig rolled her eyes. "I know," Elsa said. "For me? I’ll fry you some ham when we come back."

Hedwig’s eyes sparkled, and she flew out of the drawing room. For a moment, everything was quiet, until Anna’s scream, and then Harry’s, rang out.

"I think Hedwig woke them up," Remus remarked dryly. Elsa nodded and looked at the old tapestry hanging on the wall.

"What is that?" Elsa asked curiously.

"The family tree of the Blacks. If I remember Sirius’ words correctly, it shows the past seven hundred years," Remus explained and yawned quietly.

Elsa stepped closer. "Why are some of them burned out?"

"Because they brought shame to the family."

Elsa frowned. "What did they do?"

Remus stepped beside her. "They were born without magic. Or they didn’t marry a pure-blood, like here."

Elsa read the name under the burn mark. "Andromeda... Tonks. Is she related to Tonks?" she asked.

Remus didn’t say anything for a moment, as if he were struggling with himself. But he eventually decided to answer Elsa’s question.

"Andromeda married Ted Tonks, a Muggle-born. And yes, their daughter is Tonks."

"Wow," Elsa said, and suddenly her eyes grew wide. "Harry’s name is here too! Right next to Sirius."

Remus frowned. "That must’ve happened when Harry inherited the house. Sirius clearly knew what he was doing."

Remus rubbed his eyes. "Are you alright?" Elsa asked carefully. "You look very tired."

Remus shook his head. "No, it’s just the nights before the next-"

He suddenly stopped, but Elsa continued. "-full moon."

Remus turned to her. "How do you know that? Did Harry tell you?"

Elsa shook her head. "He explained it to us, but we heard you and Tonks... when you had your argument."

Remus closed his eyes for a moment. "So, you overheard that."

"We didn’t mean to-"

Remus raised a hand, and Elsa fell silent. "That also explains why Walburga’s portrait is frozen. That was you, right?"

Elsa nodded sheepishly. "We accidentally woke her up and she... got on my nerves."

Remus chuckled softly. "She certainly did... And? Does it disgust you that I’m a monster? A werewolf?"

Elsa raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to bite Anna or me?"

Remus froze, but Elsa just grinned. "Harry told us you only have a date with the moon once a month. I don’t think you’re a monster."

"A date?" Remus laughed. "I’ve heard many things, but not that." His eyes softened. "Thank you, that means a lot to me."

"But I also think you’re acting like an idiot," Elsa added.

"Excuse me?"

"Elsa’s right," Harry said, suddenly standing in the doorway with Anna. Unlike Anna, Harry’s hair was completely wild and messy from just waking up. "You’re acting like a total idiot towards Tonks. Why did you say no to her?"

"Exactly," Anna said. "She clearly likes you enough that she doesn’t care if you have a date with someone else once a month."

Harry snorted with amusement. "Great line, by the way, Elsa."

Elsa gave a theatrical bow. "Thank you."

"You have no idea what it means to be a werewolf!" Remus whispered with anger in his voice. "Harry, you’ve only ever seen me inside the Order, but out there... people look at me like I’m scum. They’d look at Tonks the same way. She’d probably lose her job as an Auror if we got married! And I don’t even want to imagine what would happen if Tonks and I had a child!"

Remus gripped his arm tightly. "I can’t risk that. No child should suffer my fate!"

Anna raised an eyebrow and, despite Remus’ outburst, looked at him with amusement. "You’ve clearly thought a lot about this, Remus. Could it be that you like Tonks, too?"

Remus just growled. "We’re leaving now."

“Floo powder is much more pleasant than apparating,” Anna said as she stepped out of the fireplace after Elsa.

“If you say so,” Harry groaned, after straightening himself.

“Where are we?” Elsa asked, looking around.

“This is the Leaky Cauldron,” Harry said, glancing about. Apart from two women sitting in a dark corner, it was completely empty.

“Come on, you three. We have to go to Gringotts first,” Remus said hurriedly.

Elsa was about to follow him when Anna grabbed her sleeve and Harry’s. “You do know we’ve got a mission now, right?”

Harry frowned. “We do?”

Anna and Elsa rolled their eyes. “Boys,” Anna said. “Of course! We need to get Tonks and Remus together!”

“Shouldn’t we leave that to them? I don’t know if we should interfere,” Harry muttered.

“You saw how down Remus is, Harry,” Anna pointed out. “Those two need to end up together.”

Elsa exchanged a glance with Harry, who sighed afterward. “Alright, but let’s talk about it later. We really shouldn’t dawdle.”

Anna’s eyes widened as she remembered where they were. “I forgot!”

She hurried outside after Remus, leaving Harry and Elsa behind.

“A charming young lady with lots of energy,” Tom said from behind the counter. “Have fun, you two lovelies. Even if these days are anything but fun.”

He waved at them with a dirty rag, and Elsa shuddered before making a circular motion with her hand. A large sphere of ice formed and began scrubbing the bar top up and down.

“You’ve really gotten better with your magic,” Harry said beside her as they walked toward the back door.

Elsa straightened automatically. “I’ve been practicing a lot,” she said, looking at her hands. “I’m sure I can do much more, but I want to take it slow. I don’t want to-”

“-Hurt anyone,” Harry finished when Elsa hesitated. “You won’t. You have to trust yourself, Elsa.”

“I’m trying,” she admitted, and Harry gave her a bright smile that made Elsa’s breath catch for a moment.

Elsa followed Harry through the pub and out back. Anna and Remus stood ahead of them in a small courtyard surrounded by walls, with nothing but a few dented trash bins.

“Harry, do you remember the order?” Remus asked.

Harry nodded, and Elsa wondered what was about to happen as he pulled out his wand and counted the bricks in the wall above one of the trash bins.

“Was it three across, Remus?”

“Two, if I remember right.”

“What’s he doing?” Elsa whispered to Anna.

“Remus said this is the entrance to Diagon Alley. Maybe he’s looking for a magical keyhole or something?” Anna murmured. “But I don’t think he has a key-”

Elsa’s eyes widened as Harry tapped a particular brick three times with his wand.

The brick quivered, shifted back and forth as if someone on the other side was moving it. A narrow crack appeared in the middle and widened until they stood before an archway large enough for all of them.

Harry turned and said with a grin, “Welcome to Diagon Alley!”

Elsa and Anna exchanged amazed glances and stepped through the archway. The morning sun lit up a stack of cauldrons outside a shop.

All Sizes – New! Square Cauldrons! Easier Travel Than Ever Before!

Elsa felt like she needed an extra pair of eyes. She saw Anna was no different, as her head snapped from side to side, pointing at everything.

“That’s a telescope! I’ve always wanted one!”

“Look how cute that cat is!”

“Elsa, that sign says dragon liver!”

“Is that a broom?!” Anna asked, pressing her face against a shop window.

Harry nodded. “That’s a Firebolt - the fastest broomstick in the world.”

“That must be really expensive,” Elsa said cautiously.

“I do have one.”

Elsa and Anna stared at Harry, wide-eyed. “It was a gift from Sirius,” Harry said, rubbing the back of his head, making his hair look even messier.

“Well, before Anna decides to blow all her pocket money on a broom, we should go to Gringotts. As far as I know, Harry still needs to withdraw money, and you two can open your own vault,” Remus explained.

“That’s true,” Harry said.

“To Gringotts then!” Anna shouted, turning to Elsa. “You packed Mum’s money, right?”

Elsa patted her pocket. “All set.”

Anna beamed, and they walked toward the wizard bank. On the way, a few wizards and witches passed them, their expressions hurried and uneasy. At the same time, Elsa noticed the many posters stuck to the windows, some showed moving black-and-white photos of Death Eaters, Voldemort’s followers, as Remus had explained.

When they reached Gringotts, they ran into Tonks. “There you are! You’re really late.”

“Tonks, what are you doing here?” Anna asked. Elsa noticed the tension in Tonks’s and Remus’s faces and wondered the same.

“Security detail for Scarface,” Tonks said, waving casually at Harry.

“Hey!”

Tonks winked at Elsa. “So, why are you so late?” she asked Elsa as they passed the guards at Gringotts.

“Anna and Harry overslept. Hedwig had to wake them,” Elsa said, grinning.

Tonks raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I bet that was pleasant.”

Anna pulled a face and showed her scratched arm. “I’m setting three alarms from now on. The Hedwig-alarm is not exactly gentle.”

Elsa and Tonks giggled, though Tonks’s laughter seemed a bit forced. Once inside the entrance hall, Elsa saw her first goblins. They reminded her a bit of trolls, but without the lumpy noses and with far greedier eyes. She and Anna had read about goblins in a book, and Elsa was sure these creatures would fight for every coin.

At the counter, Remus said, “Good day. We’re here to withdraw some money from Mr. Harry Potter’s vault.”

“Do you have the key, sir?” the goblin asked, staring demandingly at Harry.

Harry nodded and pulled a golden key from his jacket pocket.

“Excellent,” the goblin said, taking the key. “You’re lucky to be early. With all the increased security measures, withdrawing from Gringotts has become very time-consuming. Is that everything?”

Remus shook his head. “We’d also like to open a vault for Mrs. Elsa Arendelle and Mrs. Anna Arendelle.”

The goblin scribbled with a quill on a piece of parchment. “Of course. Separate or joint?”

“Joint.”

The goblin nodded and disappeared from his high seat. When he returned, he held two keys in his hand. “This is for Mr. Harry Potter. The key is in order,” the goblin said, handing it back to Harry. “Mrs. Arendelle, please step forward.”

Elsa stepped up with Anna and swallowed deeply when she saw the sharp knife the goblin was holding.

“I need three drops of blood from each of you and a signature.”

“B-Blood?” Anna blinked.

The goblin grinned, revealing a few golden teeth. “Yes. Three drops each. Quickly.”

Elsa took the knife and took a deep breath. She pricked her fingertip and was surprised it didn’t hurt. She let three drops fall onto the key, where they vanished into the gold.

When Elsa handed her sister the knife, she examined her finger, noticing the cut had vanished.

"Magic," she murmured.

Anna then handed the knife to the goblin, and they both signed a piece of parchment. Finally, the goblin handed Elsa the key.

"The exchange rate between Muggle money and Galleons currently stands at one Galleon for fifty pounds."

"Fifty?!" Harry gasped and complained. "It was five just four years ago!"

The goblin stared at Harry. "Those were different times. So?"

After Elsa received a pouch filled with Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts, a goblin led them to their underground vaults. They descended on small carts that sped along narrow rail tracks through the bank’s underground tunnels.

To her own surprise, Elsa enjoyed the ride. Harry and Tonks seemed to feel the same, but Anna and Remus looked quite green, and both were relieved when they arrived.

The goblin opened their vault, number 786. Elsa stepped inside and placed a single Galleon in it. The goblin had explained that the minimum value required for a vault was one Galleon, otherwise, it would be closed.

When they reached Harry’s vault, Elsa couldn’t help but gape.

“Wow, Harry. You’re filthy rich!” Anna exclaimed.

“Anna!” Elsa hissed, and Harry blushed deep red. But Elsa had to admit she was impressed by the mountains of Galleons.

"The Potters have always been wealthy," Remus said. "But Harry’s grandfather easily quadrupled it by inventing Sleekeazy’s Hair Potion. And now, on top of that, there’s the Black family fortune Harry inherited. That’s quite the sum."

Anna wiggled her eyebrows at Harry. “Harry, are you planning to get married any time soon? Do you like redheads?”

“Anna!” Elsa slapped a hand to her face while Harry and Tonks burst out laughing. For some reason, Harry glanced at her from the corner of his eye, and his cheeks turned red again. Elsa tried to ignore it, though she felt her own face warming.

“Alright, let’s head back. We still have a lot to do, and I really don’t like these devil carts,” Remus muttered.

The ride back was quick, and as they parted from the goblin, Anna called out, “Thank you for your help, Mr. Goblin. May your gold always flow, and your enemies drown in their blood!”

Everyone stared at her, especially the goblin.

“Stupid girl. No goblin talks like that. Been reading too many stories, have you?”

Anna flushed red and quickly turned on her heel. The goblin grumbled something in a strange language that sounded like a mix of grunting and croaking, then disappeared behind a door.

Remus and Tonks led them outside. “Alright, first stop: Madam Malkin’s for your school robes. Then Flourish & Blotts for your textbooks. And finally, Ollivander’s for your wands.”

Elsa perked up the moment she heard wands.

“Why don’t you pick up the books, Remus, and I’ll take these three to Madam Malkin’s?” Tonks suggested.

“We shouldn’t split up,” Remus replied, but Tonks waved him off.

“What could possibly happen? As if Death Eaters would attack us in broad daylight,” she said, herding them off toward Madam Malkin’s and leaving Remus behind.

“Sorry, but I just can’t be around him right now,” Tonks muttered once they were out of earshot.

Elsa spotted a small stall with amulets: Effective against werewolves, Dementors, and Inferi.

“I thought only the Patronus Charm worked against Dementors?” Elsa asked.

“That’s true,” Harry said. “Why?”

Elsa pointed to the stand, and Tonks sighed. “If I were on duty, I’d have to arrest him. He’s just some idiot trying to make money. Those amulets are completely useless.”

“Oh.” With a flick of her wrist, Elsa encased the entire stall in a thick layer of ice. Harry saw her and raised an eyebrow, but Elsa just shrugged in response.

They approached Madam Malkin’s shop and saw a small group standing outside.

“Harry!” Hermione cried, throwing her arms around his neck. Ron just gave a wave.

Hermione pulled back. “How are you? How was your summer with the Dursleys? Did they treat you any better this time? We heard from Mr. Weasley that Dumbledore picked you up.”

Then she turned to Elsa and Anna. “You must be Elsa and Anna. Mr. Weasley said you’re staying at Grimmauld Place with Remus right now?”

Elsa and Anna stared at Hermione with their mouths open.

“Merlin, Hermione. Slow down,” Ron said with a grin.

Harry just ran a hand through his hair. “And these are my friends, I’ve told you about them.”

Elsa nodded politely. Apparently, Hermione had the same talent as her sister for speaking in word avalanches.

“Then you must be Ginny, Ron’s sister,” Elsa said. Ginny hadn’t taken her eyes off Harry, and for some reason, that bothered Elsa. A lot.

“Exactly. Though I’m starting to think we aren’t really related. You’ve never seen Ron’s table manners. But I’m sure you’ll witness them at Hogwarts soon enough,” Ginny smirked.

“Hey! I just get really hungry,” Ron protested.

“You can still behave properly at the table,” said a red-haired woman who had been talking to Tonks.

“Lovely to meet you, dears.”

“It’s great to meet you, too, Mrs. Weasley,” Anna smiled.

Mrs. Weasley turned to Harry. “Harry! You look so thin. Are you sure you’re eating enough? I hope Kreacher isn’t the one preparing your meals.”

“It’s fine, Mrs. Weasley. Remus is a great cook. Right?” Harry asked.

Elsa frowned. Harry and Remus usually cooked together, but since the fight with Tonks, Remus had stopped. Not that it was bad, Harry’s food was actually quite good.

Still, Elsa didn’t understand why Harry wanted to keep that to himself.

Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips. “Alright then. Shall we go in? I want to get the shopping done as quickly as possible. These are dangerous times.”

“But Mum! We wanted to go to Fred and George’s,” Ron protested.

“We will, but last. Knowing you lot, we’ll never find you again once you step inside that place,” Mrs. Weasley replied.

Once inside, Harry asked Hermione, “Why do you have a black eye? Were you attacked?”

Hermione blushed and covered her eye with her hand.

“I’d like to know that, too. Whoever did it, deserves a bouquet,” said a familiar voice.

Draco Malfoy stood in front of a mirror and turned around. He wore a dark green cloak with silver accents.

“Shut it, Malfoy,” Ron growled.

“No wands in my shop!” Madam Malkin shouted.

Malfoy just gave them a sneer, until his eyes fell on Elsa. His expression changed into a charming smile that might’ve worked on others. But Elsa found it disgusting and she quickly turned away.

His brows furrowed, and he turned away as Narcissa Malfoy emerged from behind a clothing rack.

“I wondered what that dreadful stench was,” Narcissa said with pure arrogance in her voice. “But I see now, a Mudblood has entered. Put your wands away unless you want it to be the last thing you do.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Going to tell your Death Eater friends? Maybe your sister Bellatrix?”

Narcissa gave him a cold smile. “Since you became Dumbledore’s pet, you seem to think you’re invincible. But he won’t always be there to protect you, Harry Potter.”

“Your husband thought that, too and look where he’s now. In Azkaban! Go ahead, try it. I doubt you can even cast a basic Levitation Charm. It’s been a while since your school days, hasn’t it?” Harry smirked.

Elsa heard someone snort beside her. Narcissa turned to the source and glared daggers at Anna.

“Don’t you dare talk to my mother like that, Potter!” Draco hissed.

“I can speak more slowly if that helps. I mean, who would willingly marry Lucius Malfoy? Must’ve been one hell of a duel between the two brain cells!”

“Enough!” Narcissa snapped. “If I’d known what kind of filth shops here, we never would’ve come. Let’s go, Draco. Potter will regret not dying with this dear godfather.”

With that, the two left the shop. Draco looked like he wanted to shoulder-bump Ron on the way out, but Anna stuck out her foot, and he stumbled instead.

“Anna, was that really necessary?” Elsa asked as they tried on their robes.

She was currently wearing a lovely blue cloak adorned with glittering pins along the hem and sleeves.

Anna placed her hands on her hips. “You heard what she said to Harry. She really is a despicable woman.”

Elsa rolled her eyes. “I know that, but you don’t need to make enemies before we even get to Hogwarts.”

“Believe me, Elsa. Malfoy would’ve managed that on his own,” Hermione said. “By the way, that cloak looks really good on you!”

Elsa smiled gratefully. “So, what actually happened to your eye?” she asked curiously.

Hermione sighed. “I’m staying at the Burrow right now. Ron, Ginny, and I were cleaning the twins’ room, and I bumped into a punching telescope…”

Elsa winced. “Ouch. Did they forget it?”

Hermione shrugged. “Probably.”

“Well, that’s it, dear,” Madam Malkin said eventually, and Elsa took off the cloak and placed it with her other purchases.

“What now?” Anna asked the group.

“I’ve already picked up your books and potion ingredients,” Remus said.

Elsa’s eyes widened. “How much did it cost?”

Remus waved her off. “Consider it a welcome gift to the magical world. Besides, it was not me, but Harry who paid for it.”

Elsa turned to Harry, who was already being hugged by Anna.

“Thank you, Harry. But that really wasn’t necessary.”

Harry’s ears turned red and quickly removed himself from Anna. “It’s fine,” he muttered.

“Alright, off to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and then straight to Ollivander’s,” Tonks said.

“Can we get our wands first?” Anna asked impatiently, giving Remus big pleading eyes.

Remus blinked, clearly caught off guard by the emotional assault.

“Anna, you don’t even know if you’ll be able to get a wand,” Elsa said gently.

But Anna just shook her head, looking resolute.

“I just want to see you get yours. Come on!” she called and ran ahead.

Remus and Elsa exchanged a glance.

“Let’s follow her before something happens,” Remus said, eyeing Harry. “And you, try not to cause any trouble.”

“I’d never,” Harry said with a wink, and Elsa grinned.

“ARE YOU COMING OR WHAT?!”

Remus sighed. “Anna, that’s the wrong direction.”

“Oops.”

"Ah, Remus Lupin. A face I haven’t seen in a very long time! Cypress and unicorn hair, if I remember correctly. Ten and a quarter inches?" said a gentle voice.

An older man stood before them. He had silver hair that shimmered like moonlight in the dim light.

"That’s right," Remus said. "It still serves me well, Mr. Ollivander."

Ollivander smiled contently and looked at Elsa and Anna.

"I’m glad to hear that. Oh, you are special," he said to Elsa.

"Most interesting," he added as his gaze fell on Anna.

Elsa tilted her head. It didn’t sound like a question.

He snapped his fingers, and a long measuring tape flew over and began measuring Elsa from her ear to her elbow.

"Which hand is your wand hand?" Ollivander asked.

"Actually, the left one," she said as the tape measured the distance from her forehead to her nose.

"I assume you’re sisters. Twins?"

Elsa shook her head. "No, I’m a year older. Does that matter?"

Ollivander just smiled. "Not necessarily, but with twins it has occurred that their wands share similar cores. Not always, but often. Now stretch your left arm forward and your right leg backwards. Just like that, now hold still."

Elsa wasn’t sure if she was being messed with. She only knew Anna was doing everything not to burst out laughing. Even Remus was smirking at her.

"I think I have a good idea of which wand might choose you," Ollivander said, darting between shelves and pulling out a box.

"The wand chooses us?" Anna asked curiously.

Ollivander’s silvery eyes lit up. "Oh, indeed. Those who study wandlore are firmly convinced of it. Black walnut and unicorn hair. Ten and a quarter inches. Supple and flexible. Give it a wave!"

Elsa took the wand and felt warmth spread through her fingers. That warmth spread through her body, and as she waved the wand, snowflakes drifted from its tip.

"Excellent! Black walnut is not easy to master and much less common than ordinary walnut," he began, his eyes gleaming.

"It demands a witch with good instincts and powerful insight. A very handsome wood, yes, but with a pronounced quirk. If the wielder is unwilling to be honest with themselves or others, the wand tends to fail… But paired with a sincere, self-aware owner, it becomes one of the most loyal and impressive wands of all, with a particular flair in charm work," Ollivander explained, while Elsa stared at the wand in awe.

"Very nice," Ollivander said with a smile, turning to Anna.

"Oh, you’re going to be far more difficult than your sister. Oh yes, much more difficult."

"But you’ll manage? You’ll find her a wand?" Elsa asked hopefully.

"No customer has ever left Ollivander’s without a wand. There were a few… Harry Potter, for example. He was a tricky case as well, but we managed in the end."

"But why am I difficult?" Anna asked, glancing worriedly at her bracelet.

Ollivander raised his hands to calm her and began rummaging through boxes.

"It’s nothing bad! Didn’t I just say Mr. Potter was a difficult customer too? It’s not always easy to match someone’s character right away," Ollivander chuckled.

"Complex! A mind that questions everything. Cherry wood, perhaps? No, no, too idealistic. Ebony? Oh no, you’re far too curious for ebony. Hmm…"

He trailed off, murmuring softly as he climbed a ladder to a higher shelf. He stood still for a moment, staring into the distance.

"I wonder," he murmured calmly.

Elsa watched silently as Ollivander shifted from frantic searching to calm pondering. She looked over to Anna, who just shrugged.

"There it is," he whispered and pulled out an old, dusty box. He brushed off the dust and handed the box to Anna.

"Ash wood. Made with a core from a thunderbird tail feather. Extremely temperamental, but I believe you’re the witch it was made for."

To Elsa’s surprise, the wand shot out of the box as Anna tried to open it. It circled around her head, even bonked her once, before finally settling in her hand.

For a moment, Elsa saw Anna staring at the wand, and then a wide grin spread across her face. Then, the windows exploded, and Elsa felt herself slammed into the shelves.

Chapter Text

Elsa could smell burnt wood. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that dozens of wands and empty boxes lay above her. She was buried beneath the debris of a broken shelf. Slowly Elsa hauled herself out of the wreckage and looked at the aftermath of the explosion.

The windows were completely shattered. Glass shards lay in the entrance and little fires burned throughout the shop. With a flick of her hand Elsa put the flames out.

Elsa looked around but could see neither her attackers nor Anna or Remus.

“Anna? Where are you?” Elsa called.

“Elsa! Are you all right?” she heard Harry shout as he came in through the front door, which was hanging off its hinges.

“Yes, but I can’t find Anna!” Elsa said and heard a dull sound. On the other side Elsa saw a huge heap of rubble, and above it a wand was floating. It was the wand Mr. Ollivander had chosen for Anna.

“Anna? Can you hear me?” Elsa cried and went to the pile of debris.

“Is she underneath?” Hermione asked, who had followed with Ron. Both were panting for breath.

“I think so. At least the wand that was chosen for Anna is hovering above it.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow. “A floating wand? That’s not possible-”

Ron rolled his eyes. “Who cares, Hermione. The main thing is we find Elsa’s sister.”

They all flinched together as a loud explosion sounded from outside. Elsa saw coloured lights flying from every direction.

“Who is that?” she asked, wide-eyed.

“Death Eaters,” Harry said flatly, drawing his wand. “Wingardium Leviosa!”

The rubble rose into the air and revealed an unconscious Anna. Elsa rushed to her and took her hand in her own.

“Anna! Please say something!” Elsa tried, but her sister made no sound.

Harry knelt on the other side of her. “Harry! We need to get Anna out of here ton safety,” Hermione said, panicked.

“Let me try something,” Harry murmured, and said to Anna, “Anna, Elsa and I baked the most delicious chocolate cake in the world, but Hedwig is about to eat it! Only you can stop her!”

Hermione stared at Harry with her mouth open. “Harry, that will never-”

Suddenly Anna opened her eyes and snarled, “Chocolate cake. Where. Is. It!”

Elsa wrapped her arms around Anna’s neck. Anna looked thoroughly confused. “Not that I don’t like a hug from my sister, but have I missed something?”

“We were attacked, and you were knocked out afterwards,” Elsa said as she released Anna and helped her to her feet.

Anna’s eyes went wide. “Right, I was holding a wand when - My wand! Where is it?” Anna cried desperately.

“What about the one above your head?” Ron said.

Anna looked up and fished the wand from the air. “That’s it! My very own wand!” Anna laughed and began to dance in a circle.

“Where’s yours?” Harry asked.

Elsa looked around the shop. “I don’t know…”

“Accio Elsa’s wand!” Elsa’s wand flew through the air into Harry’s outstretched hand.

“Thanks,” Elsa said and put the wand away.

“What do we do now?” Hermione asked nervously. More screams came from the street.

“We should go to Fred and George,” Ron suggested. “From there we can travel with Floo powder. Mum and Ginny have already gone through.”

Harry peered across the road. “Could be a bit dangerous. The Death Eaters are still throwing curses about like they’re gifting sweets to everyone.”

“Shouldn’t we help people?” Anna asked, and her wand bobbed eagerly.

Harry shook his head. “You and Elsa have only just got your wands. Theory and practice aren’t the same, especially in a dangerous situation,” Harry said. “Besides, I promised your father I’d look after you.”

This time Elsa was angry.

She stepped forward and grabbed his T-shirt. “I’m not a helpless child who needs protecting. I can protect Anna and myself!”

Harry’s eyes narrowed, but an approving smile crossed his face.

“Fine. Hermione and Ron go first,” Harry said, and Elsa let him go with an exasperated huff. Harry brushed the snow from his T-shirt that Elsa had left with her hand and went to the broken window.

He waved them over. “Come on!”

Hermione and Ron jumped through the window, closely followed by Anna and Elsa. Elsa saw Remus and Tonks in the distance, side by side, fighting three cloaked Death Eaters. A green beam flew towards Tonks, and she just managed to dodge so it sailed past her. Unfortunately it flew straight for Elsa. She raised her hands to meet the curse, but was thrown aside by Harry.

“Elsa!” Anna cried, but she was urged on by Ron.

Elsa fell to the ground with Harry and landed with her elbow in his midriff.

“Why did you do that? I would have stopped the curse!” Elsa complained as Harry groaned.

“That was the Killing Curse,” Harry murmured. “I didn’t want to take any chances.”

Elsa opened her mouth to say something, but the words died. Remus had told them about the three Unforgivable Curses, but to see someone aim that curse at another person filled Elsa with rage.

“Oof!”

Elsa was just about to get up when she felt Harry slip his arm round her neck and pull her closer still.

“What are you doing?” she demanded.

“Making sure no curse hits you,” Harry said as another spell flew over their heads.

Elsa snarled and made a movement with her hand. A wall of ice formed before her eyes.

“Well, that works too,” Harry said, and they loosened their hold on each other.

“Do you think we can help Remus and Tonks?” Elsa asked.

“Elsa, we should-”

“Harry! I’ll do it even without you.”

Harry growled. “Fine. But we should stick together. Do you see the two Death Eaters in front of Madam Malkin’s?”

Elsa peered past the wall of ice and saw two Death Eaters destroying Madam Malkin’s shop with their wands.

“Yes.”

Harry crouched beside her. “Good, I’ll draw them off. Don’t hold back, Elsa.”

“Expelliarmus!” Harry shouted and stepped out of their hiding place. One of the Death Eaters had to duck to avoid the disarming charm.

“Potter! He’s here!”

The two Death Eaters switched their focus and started their attacks entirely on Harry, who dodged them with practised ease.

Meanwhile, Elsa raised her hand. A snowball formed and grew until it was the size of a cannonball. She closed her hand into a fist and the snowball flew through the air and struck a Death Eater on the head, knocking him unconscious to the ground.

She turned to the second, who was in the middle of a duel with Harry. Both were sending spells at each other’s heads, but suddenly the Death Eater turned aside.

“What the-” A wand was in the air and tapped him on the shoulder. But through the distraction Harry’s stunning spell hit him full in the chest.

Harry ran over to her and grabbed Elsa’s hand. “Come on!”

There was no time to think and Elsa followed Harry to the entrance of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, closely followed by Anna’s wand, which flew behind Elsa and kept turning its tip as if looking about.

Anna caught her wand with one hand. “You two were brilliant!” Anna cried, grinning.

Elsa returned her smile, especially as Harry was greeted by two twins who could only be Ron’s older brothers.

“Good work, both of you,” said a panting Remus.

“Remus! Where’s Tonks?” Elsa asked, turning to him.

Remus leaned against the door. “Don’t worry, she is all right. We’d just defeated the three Death Eaters when we saw you and Harry finish off the others. Tonks is with the Aurors right now, telling them everything so they can be taken into custody. She is rather angry with them for being so late,” Remus explained with a chuckle.

“Anyone we know among them?” Harry asked.

Remus shook his head. “Just ordinary Death Eaters. No one from his inner circle. Unfortunately two of them got away with Ollivander.”

“They kidnapped Mr. Ollivander?” Hermione asked, horrified. “Where’s everyone supposed to get their wands from now on?”

“There are other shops, but Ollivander was the best,” George said, and Elsa glanced at her new wand. It suddenly felt very cold. She hadn’t even had a chance to thank him for it.

“Nice to meet you. Tonks has told us a lot about you,” George said, bowing deeply to Elsa and Anna.

Elsa raised an elegant eyebrow. “Really?”

Fred sidled up to George. “Yep. The Order have their headquarters at the moment in the Burrow, and so we see Tonks quite often.”

He leaned forwards and whispered so only Anna, Harry and Elsa could hear. “Plus our mum keeps inviting Tonks over and hopes Bill will fall for her.”

Harry frowned. “Why Bill?”

“Oh, you don’t know yet?” Fred asked, throwing Ron a look. Ron just shrugged.

“I forgot,” Ron defended himself.

George rolled his eyes. “Remember Fleur, Harry? She started working at Gringotts to improve her English.”

“And as it turns out, Bill and Fleur have become close and are now engaged,” Fred said dryly.

“That’s so romantic!” Anna gushed.

Elsa merely blinked. “That was quick.”

“Our mum said the same. She’s not exactly thrilled with Fleur.”

“Why?” Elsa asked.

George and Fred exchanged a look of discomfort. “Well, Fleur is a Veela.”

“Veela? What is that?” Anna asked.

“I’ll explain later,” Harry said. “But I don’t think Mrs Weasley dislikes Fleur just because she’s a Veela. She’s not that narrow-minded.”

“I think our mum thinks Fleur is a bit too elegant for Bill,” George said, and Remus only sighed.

“I think we should get to Grimmauld Place now. Can we use your fireplace?”

“Sure, come on through,” Fred said, and they went through a door into the storeroom.

(BREAK)

Once they had arrived at Grimmauld Place, Elsa exchanged a relieved glance with Anna, who only beamed at her with a wide grin. They were alone in the room.

“What is it?” she asked in surprise.

“I saw you holding Harry’s hand the whole time,” Anna said, and Elsa’s face flushed red.

But before Elsa could reply, Anna dashed out of the room, laughing.

“Anna!”

(BREAK)

Elsa lay awake in her bed with her eyes open. The images from the day flashed before her, and she decided to get up. She resolved to make herself a hot chocolate and crept very carefully into the corridor, quietly going down the stairs so as not to wake the others.

When she reached the kitchen she was surprised to find the light on. She peered through the gap in the door and saw Harry sitting at the table.

She was about to turn back when she accidentally touched the door, and it gave a loud creak.

“Kreacher? Is that you?” she heard Harry call.

Elsa sighed and went into the kitchen. “No, it’s me. I couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh,” Harry said, pointing at the kettle on the stove. “There’s hot chocolate, I made some earlier.”

The corner of Elsa’s mouth twitched. “Did we infect you with our love for chocolate?”

Harry snorted. “No surprise, considering how much Anna and you love to eat it.”

Elsa went to the stove, poured some into a mug and sat down at the table with Harry.

“So, why can’t you sleep?” Harry asked. “Is it still about the attack earlier?”

Elsa took a sip and nodded. Harry had to stifle a chuckle when he saw her.

“What is it?” Elsa asked, frowning.

“You’ve got a chocolate moustache, princess,” Harry sniggered.

Elsa felt warmth rise in her face and hurriedly wiped her mouth with her sleeve.

“Thanks,” she murmured.

“You’re welcome,” Harry said quietly. “I’m in the same boat, really. The Death Eaters today… they were just cowards. Probably only newcomers meant to make a diversion while they kidnapped Ollivander.”

Elsa looked up from her hot chocolate. “These Death Eaters… are they always like that-?”

She swallowed and lowered her voice almost to a whisper, unable to find the right words.

“-violent?” Harry tried, and Elsa nodded. A heavy silence settled between them.

“I can’t tell you why they do it,” Harry said with a sigh. “Sirius once told me the world isn’t simply split into good people and Death Eaters. And he was right, there are good people, like your parents or Anna. But there are really evil people, as well.”

“My parents,” Elsa murmured, setting her cup down a little harder than usual. It made a dull sound that echoed through the kitchen.

Harry nodded gravely. “Yes. They didn’t always know exactly what they were doing, but they always wanted what was best for you. And that alone is worth more than you can ask of many others.”

Was Harry speaking from experience? Elsa felt as if he was talking about people he knew.

Suddenly a chill trickled through her bones as she remembered Hermione’s question. 

“Did the Dursleys treat you better this time?”

Elsa looked at Harry openly, eyes wide. “The Dursleys… you mean them, don’t you?”

Harry lowered his gaze. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Elsa respected that and changed the subject. “Malfoy’s father… was he a Death Eater?”

Harry looked relieved. “Yes. He was sent to Azkaban a few weeks ago for breaking into the Ministry.”

“Do you think his wife is a Death Eater too?”

Harry shrugged. “She is nasty enough to be one. But I think Lucius was the one clinging to Voldemort’s arms. From what Sirius told me, Narcissa’s too vain to get her hands dirty.”

Elsa frowned. “Why did Sirius know her?”

“Sirius was her cousin,” Harry said simply, counting off on his fingers. “Narcissa is also the sister of Tonks’s mother-”

“Andromeda!” Elsa cried out, her cheeks flushing. “I saw it on the tapestry,” she said sheepishly.

“Oh, that old thing. Sirius hated it. To him, it stood for everything that was wrong with that family,” Harry explained. “Then there is Bellatrix… The one who killed Sirius.”

Elsa took another careful sip, making sure not to get a moustache this time. She watched Harry, who had a calm about him that reminded her of her mother. As she watched, his expression softened and then hardened again.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. “Today. I just managed, with your and Anna’s help, to stand up to those Death Eaters. Without you, they would have done more harm, and I don’t even want to imagine what would have happened if someone like Bellatrix or worse Voldemort had shown up.”

“I’m not ready to face him,” Harry murmured. “How could I ever defeat him?”

Elsa tilted her head. “Why do you have to be the one to defeat him? Is it for revenge?”

Harry was silent for a moment. “I hate Voldemort, but I don’t think it’s revenge. I can’t just stand by and watch him hurt people. Also, the prophecy won’t let him leave me alone.”

“A prophecy? About you?” Elsa asked.

“About me and Voldemort,” Harry corrected.

“What does it say?”

Harry hesitated. “Enough to give me nightmares, but not enough to give me a clear goal.”

He stayed quiet and Elsa looked at him with a serious face. Then Harry spoke almost without sound. “It basically comes down to the fact that neither of us can survive while the other lives.”

“You must… kill Voldemort, or he kills you?” Elsa said, horrified.

Harry shrugged. “That’s what it suggests. Voldemort won’t stop trying to kill me because I survived by my parents’ sacrifice. To him, I’m a threat that must be removed.”

“And you’re the only one who can beat him?” Elsa pressed.

“That’s what the prophecy says.”

Elsa folded her arms. “That isn’t fair. Why can’t Voldemort just leave you alone?”

Harry managed a wry smile. “If he did, he wouldn’t be a Dark Lord trying to take over the wizarding world, would he?”

Elsa frowned and sighed. “True… I don’t know how good he is in a duel, but Harry, you must be better.”

Harry nodded. “I know you worry about your kingdom, Elsa, but I’m already doing my best.”

Elsa’s cheeks warmed and she blinked. “Yes, I mean you… um - my kingdom! Yes! You’re right.”

Harry gave a crooked grin. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Elsa grinned back, stood up and paused in the doorway. “If you like, we can train together.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you and Anna already have enough to do?”

“Harry, there are things worth making sacrifices for. If it means I spend more time understanding a book, then it’s worth it if it helps you win in the end,” Elsa said, with a sharp edge to her tone.

Harry looked at her, mouth slightly open. “U-understood.”

Elsa reached for the door handle. “Good night, Elsa.”

“Good night, Harry. And… thank you.”

Harry tilted his head. “For what?”

Elsa shrugged lightly. “I think I can sleep better now.”

“Because of the talk or the hot chocolate?”

“Both.” Elsa smiled fleetingly and then was gone. That night she lay in her bed, grinning broadly into her pillow as she dreamed of flying dragons and green eyes.

Chapter Text

The floorboards creaked, and the door to Harry’s room groaned as it was pushed open. Hedwig peeked out from under her wing, and when she saw who entered, she tucked her head back in and closed her eyes again.

There was a dull thud and a short yelp, quickly muffled by Elsa’s hand.

“Sorry,” Anna whispered, rubbing her big toe. Elsa rolled her eyes and pulled her sister by the arm.

“Come on,” she whispered, and they tiptoed to the bed where Harry was sleeping. He lay with his back to them, so they couldn’t see his face. Elsa just had a strange urge to run her fingers through his messy hair.

She frowned. Lately, she’d caught herself thinking about Harry more and more often.

“Are you ready?” Anna asked.

Elsa hesitated. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Of course! Everyone deserves to be congratulated on their birthday!”

Elsa looked down at Harry. “Yes, but I think people are usually awake for that.”

“That’s why we’re waking him up,” Anna said with a grin. “Alright, on three – one – two-”

Elsa flinched when Anna suddenly screamed beside her. Harry had moved and was now looking at them with tired but open eyes.

“Harry! As I see, you’re already awake,” Elsa tried and gave him a nervous grin. He only glared back.

“I don’t sleep well, and it’s not exactly hard to wake up when Anna’s so loud,” Harry replied, sitting up in bed. “And how do you even know it’s my birthday?”

“Remus told us,” Anna said proudly. “I asked him!”

Harry rubbed his tired eyes and put on his glasses, which sat crooked on his nose.

“Did he say anything else about me?” Harry asked, turning his wand between his fingers.

“Oh-oh,” Elsa murmured, stepping back. Anna didn’t notice and cheerfully went on about what they had prepared.

“You and Elsa have been so busy lately, especially after that attack in Diagon Alley. Elsa and I even baked a chocolate cake!”

“Really? With Kreacher’s help?” Harry asked, swishing his wand in Anna’s direction. She began to slowly float off the floor.

Anna realized too late that something was wrong. “And we also wanted to - Hey!” she cried as she flew out of the room. With another flick of Harry’s wand, the spell ended, and Anna landed on her backside in the hallway.

“That’s not fair!” Anna called, crossing her arms.

Elsa chuckled, and Harry grinned. He looked at Elsa, who merely raised an eyebrow. His grin turned sheepish, and Elsa followed her sister out of the room.

Before closing the door, she turned to Harry and smiled brightly. “Before I forget, Happy Birthday, Harry!”

The last thing Elsa saw before the door shut was Harry’s surprised face.

Harry pushed the door open and saw Anna and Elsa waiting for him.

“Finally! What took you so long?” Anna complained.

“I was taking a shower. You didn’t say you were waiting,” Harry argued. Anna gave him a dark look but eventually sighed.

“Harry, just take the thread.”

He tilted his head. “What thread? I don’t see any.”

Then Elsa raised her hand, and between two of her fingers hung a red thread. “Here, take it,” Elsa said, handing it to him. Harry examined it curiously.

“This is… just an ordinary thread. Is it supposed to do something?” he asked.

Elsa shook her head. “No, but you’re supposed to do something. Follow it.”

“Oh,” Harry murmured, as there was a flutter of wings, Hedwig had flown out of the room and landed on his shoulder.

He began to follow the thread, which seemed to stretch down the entire corridor.

“Where does it lead?” Harry asked.

Anna stepped beside him. “That’s for you to find out!”

Harry glanced at Elsa, who merely raised her hands. “You won’t hear it from me!”

He rolled his eyes, but Hedwig smacked him on the back of the head with a wing. “Alright, alright. Let’s go!”

Together they went down the next staircase that led to the kitchen.

“Come on, faster, Harry!”

“I am going,” Harry muttered, following the thread in his hand while Anna kept nudging him forward.

Finally, they stopped right in front of the kitchen door. The thread ended at the doorknob, and Harry exchanged a glance with Anna and Elsa, who were both looking at him expectantly.

He took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

“Happy Birthday!”

The moment he stepped inside, he found himself wrapped in one of Hermione’s firm hugs. Behind her stood Ron and Tonks.

“Took you long enough to get up! It’s almost noon,” Hermione said, stepping back.

Harry’s grin spread wide. “You’re the surprise?”

“Yeah, couldn’t let you celebrate alone, could we?” Ron said, eyeing the chocolate cake on the table. It was round and heavily covered in dark chocolate.

“That looks good,” Ron said, rubbing his belly. “Did you bake it?”

Elsa nodded. “But Kreacher helped us.”

“Kreacher?” Tonks asked in disbelief. “Are you sure it’s safe to eat?”

Anna rolled her eyes and started cutting slices for everyone, hers happened to be the biggest. “Of course it is!”

“You might want to leave some for the rest of us,” Tonks said with a mischievous grin when Anna looked up questioningly.

“Where is Kreacher anyway?” Harry asked, puzzled. “I haven’t seen him in a while.”

Elsa pointed behind her, toward the corner. “Over there.”

They all looked past Elsa and saw Kreacher standing in the corner, wearing a birthday hat. In his mouth, he held a party horn that let out a pitiful sound when he blew into it without enthusiasm.

Then the horn dropped to the floor, and the house-elf said, “Kreacher hopes Miss Elsa is satisfied. Kreacher would now like to return to admiring his mistress’s shoes.”

Hermione stepped toward him and bent down. “Kreacher, don’t you want to stay with us? I’m sure Harry would like you to join.”

She looked up at Harry expectantly.

“Uh - yeah, of course! You can stay if you want to, Kreacher,” Harry said.

Kreacher stared at him with his mouth open. “Kreacher would rather die than stay near a bundle of Mudbloods.”

Then he snapped his fingers and vanished with a loud crack.

“Filthy rat,” Ron muttered.

Hermione spun around and poked him several times in the chest with her finger. “He’s lived alone for years! Kreacher just doesn’t understand what it means to be around people.”

“Hermione, I don’t think you could ever change him. My mother told me stories about Walburga and the rest of that family,” Tonks said with a shudder.

“But-”

“Trust me, that family was the absolute worst. Kreacher’s the way he is because it’s ingrained in him,” Tonks said, before Anna interrupted.

“Hmm!” Anna was busy munching, her mouth full of cake.

“Haven’t I taught you not to talk with your mouth full?” came a familiar voice from the doorway.

Harry turned and saw Iduna and Remus standing there. “Surprise!” Iduna called.

Anna swallowed hastily and threw herself into her mother’s arms. “Mum! What are you doing here?”

Elsa blinked in surprise. “Mum?”

Iduna smiled broadly and winked at Harry. “A little bird told me you had a… small incident, and Remus was kind enough to bring me along.”

Elsa turned to Harry. “You wrote to her?”

Harry stroked Hedwig’s feathers. “Well, I thought they should know. I’m sure my parents would’ve wanted to. But I didn’t know you’d come today, Mrs. Arendelle.”

Iduna waved him off. “Call me Iduna, Harry.” She turned to the others. “That goes for all of you, of course.”

Tonks yawned. “Well, since everyone’s here now, I’ll head out. Hermione, Ron - I’ll pick you both up later.”

Anna looked disappointed. “You’re leaving already?”

Tonks nodded, deliberately avoiding Remus’s gaze. “Yeah, children’s birthday parties aren’t really my thing.”

“Ha-ha,” Harry said dryly. “Says the one who used to walk around with pink hair.”

“Pink?” Iduna asked curiously.

Elsa nodded enthusiastically. “Tonks is a Metamorphmagus! She can look however she wants.”

Iduna’s eyes widened. “How convenient! I’ve always wondered how I’d look with blonde hair but never felt like dyeing it. Won’t you stay, Tonks? I’d love to learn more about your ability!”

“I-I really don’t want to intrude,” Tonks stammered, trying to avoid Iduna’s pleading look.

“You’re not intruding, Tonks. Besides, you’re supposed to keep an eye on us kids, right?” Ron said. “We might hurt ourselves while you’re gone.”

Tonks glared at him. “Fine! But only if I get a big piece of cake!”

Remus sighed. “Maybe we should move to the living room? The kitchen isn’t exactly the best place for a birthday celebration.”

Iduna nodded. “Good idea, Remus. Maybe you and Tonks could take the cake there already?”

Tonks quickly grabbed Ron by the arm. “You’re coming with me! I need help carrying it.”

Hermione just shook her head and followed them out. Once they were gone, Iduna leaned closer to her daughters and Harry. “What’s going on between those two?”

Elsa raised an eyebrow. “You noticed?”

“Of course. Why do you think I didn’t let Tonks leave?” Iduna grinned. “That’s the kind of politics I like best. How long has there been something between them?”

Harry shrugged. “We don’t really know. We just know they had a big argument. Remus doesn’t want Tonks getting close to him.”

Iduna frowned. “Hmm, but he likes her. His eyes sparkled when he saw her. Is he afraid she’s toying with him? She doesn’t seem the type.”

Anna shook her head. “No, Tonks is head over heels for him, but-”

She glanced awkwardly at Harry, who sighed. “Remus is a werewolf. In the magical world, werewolves are despised.”

Iduna tapped her cheek thoughtfully. “Ah, so he’s afraid of dragging Tonks into that. What a tragedy!”

Anna nodded. “We’ve been trying to help them already!”

Iduna nodded proudly. “Good. I wouldn’t expect anything less from my daughters. But don’t forget, it’s their decision. You can’t force anyone to choose what’s best for them, even if it’s for their own good. It’s their decision to make.”

Elsa frowned. “Then what should we do?”

Iduna smiled slyly, her gaze drifting to Harry. “We have to show Remus that Tonks is worth it. And I already have an idea.”

Elsa stepped into the living room and saw that the others were scattered all over the place. Remus stood by the fireplace, while Tonks was talking to Hermione and Ron by the window. On the table sat the cake along with several presents, and a few armchairs surrounded it.

She watched as her mother entered the room, hands on her hips. “Oh no, this won’t do! Hermione, Ron, could you two sit in this armchair here? Wonderful!” Iduna said, gently pushing the two teens into their seats.

Then her gaze fell on Elsa, and there was a glimmer in her mother’s eyes that Elsa didn’t like one bit. “Elsa, why don’t you sit right here!”

Following her mother’s look, Elsa sat down slowly in an armchair opposite the fireplace, wondering what exactly she was planning. Iduna sat beside her with Anna. Only Tonks, Harry, and Remus were still standing.

“Remus, why don’t you sit in that free armchair?” Iduna said warmly, pointing to her right. “I’d love to have a little chat with you later.”

Remus frowned but sat down. That left Harry and Tonks. Harry was about to take a seat near Remus when Iduna grabbed his arm. “Stop, young man! I think you deserve a different seat.”

Elsa blinked as Harry suddenly found himself beside her. The armchair was large enough for two, but only if they sat very close. Elsa felt his arm against hers, and when their fingers accidentally brushed, both jerked their hands back.

“Sorry,” they mumbled at the same time, embarrassed. Elsa glanced at her mother, who only smirked at her, and she could feel her cheeks growing warm.

Iduna turned to the last person. “Tonks-?”

But Tonks simply drew her wand, and with a pop, a chair appeared out of thin air. She sat down.

Iduna pursed her lips. “Ah, I didn’t even think about using magic,” she muttered in disappointment.

“Presents!” Anna suddenly shouted, looking at Harry. “Don’t you want to open them?”

Elsa could feel every little movement Harry made beside her. “I wasn’t expecting any gifts,” he said.

Ron rolled his eyes and tossed him a small package. Elsa watched as Harry opened it.

“It’s not much, but-”

“Thanks, Ron!” Harry said, grinning as he held up a bag of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.

“Every flavour?” Anna asked.

“Yeah, and they really mean every flavour,” Ron warned as Harry handed her the bag. Anna reached in and pulled out a red-and-green bean. She popped it into her mouth, her eyes going wide.

“Well?” Elsa asked, curious.

Anna chewed thoughtfully. “Tastes like cheese.”

“Cheese?” Iduna murmured, grabbing a bean herself. She picked out a blue one and cautiously bit into it, only to grimace. “Ugh - salt!”

“I’ve got something too,” Hermione said suddenly, reaching into her bag.

Harry looked up in surprise as she handed him a neatly wrapped flat package. He tore the paper open and found a dark blue, leather-bound planner. On the cover, in gold letters, it read: Do your Homework! - Don’t Let Hermione Down.

Laughter filled the room.

“I know you sometimes forget when things are due,” Hermione said, smiling a little sternly. “I hope you’ll manage to start your homework on time this year.”

Harry groaned. “As long as it doesn’t wake me up at night again. I threw the last one out the window because of that.”

“Serves you right,” Ron muttered, earning a sharp glare from Hermione.

“I’m not helping you with your homework this year,” she said, crossing her arms.

“Thanks, Hermione,” Harry grinned. “I’ll try not to lose it right away.”

“I hope so,” she replied dryly.

“So,” Anna shouted, jumping from her chair, “It’s time for charades!”

“Charades?” Ron asked. “That’s the game where you have to guess what the other person’s acting out, right?”

“Exactly! And you go first!” Anna said excitedly.

“Me?” Ron looked around as if hoping someone would save him. No one did.

“Come on, Ron! Don’t be such a baby,” Tonks smirked.

Ron sighed, stood in the middle, and began miming exaggerated motions of riding a broom.

“A hippogriff!” Anna shouted.

“A troll on a broom,” Tonks added dryly.

“A Quidditch player!” Hermione said, and Ron nodded eagerly.

“Finally,” he muttered in relief and sat down.

“Good!” Iduna said. “Now… Harry and Elsa.”

Elsa blinked. “Us?”

“Of course,” Iduna said innocently. “I think you two make a great team.”

Anna giggled suspiciously loud as Harry and Elsa slowly faced each other.

“I’ll say this right now,” Harry warned, “I can’t act.”

“Then we’re two of a kind,” Elsa replied with a small grin.

Their word was ice dragon. Elsa lifted her hands, shaping a snout with her fingers, and pretended to breathe fire, or rather, frost. Harry threw himself dramatically to the floor as if freezing solid.

Ron called out, “A frost golem!”

“An ice demon!” Tonks laughed.

“An ice dragon,” Hermione said calmly, and hit the mark again.

“How do you do that?” Anna asked in awe.

“I played a lot with my parents,” Hermione replied simply.

The game went on for quite a while, full of laughter, wild gestures, and Ron’s eventual declaration that he refused to act out a dancing goat.

“I’m not Dumbledore!” Ron complained.

Finally, Remus stepped over to Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Come with me for a moment, Harry.”

They stepped out into the hallway while the others began tidying up. Remus pulled a small, dark package from his coat pocket.

“This is something Sirius meant to give you for your seventeenth birthday,” he said quietly. “I think he’d want you to have it now.”

Harry carefully unwrapped the cloth and blinked.

Inside was an old silver CD player, slightly scratched. A small sticker with a name was still stuck to the lid.

“It belonged to your mother,” Remus said. “Sirius found it in Godric’s Hollow. We both thought, you should one day hear what she liked, her music.”

Harry ran his fingers over the metal.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Remus gave a faint smile. “They’d be proud of you. All three of them.”

When they returned to the living room, Iduna was already standing with her daughters.

“I think I should go,” she said to Remus. “It’s been wonderful seeing you all again.”

Anna hugged her tightly. Elsa smiled softly as Iduna placed a hand on her shoulder. “Believe in yourself, Elsa. Your father and I are cheering for you.”

Then she stepped up to Harry and whispered in his ear, “I don’t know exactly what lies ahead of you, but I want you to know, you’ll always be welcome in Arendelle, Harry.” She stepped back and added, “And if you ever need someone to talk to, just ask.”

Harry frowned slightly. “But - do you even have the time? I mean, you’re the Queen-”

“Shh!” Iduna hushed him, pulling him into the hall. “Sorry, I didn’t want Hermione and Ron to know who I am. They should treat Anna and Elsa like normal friends.”

“I’m sure you don’t have to worry about that,” Harry said, thinking back to his fourth year. “Probably,” he added under his breath.

Iduna gave him a warm smile. “Well, it should be their choice whom they tell.”

“And about your last remark, yes, I’m a queen, but first and foremost, I’m still a mother. And even if I don’t know everything, I know enough to see that you’re carrying a lot on your shoulders,” she said, opening her arms invitingly.

Harry’s eyes widened. “But you’re-!”

Iduna raised an eyebrow, and Harry had no choice but to give in. He leaned into her hug… and it felt wonderful. It was as if the weight of the last few weeks was being washed away. It was still there, but he felt lighter.

“Thank you,” Harry whispered, and Iduna gently pulled back.

“Don’t mention it,” she said. “And if you need someone to talk to, I’m sure Elsa gives great hugs.”

She winked and walked out of the hallway laughing, as Harry blushed scarlet and started to stammer.

“Do you really have to go already?” Anna asked her mother.

Iduna sighed. “I’m afraid so. Your father may be the king, but when it comes to organizing things, he’s completely hopeless. There’s no one there to tell him to take a break.”

Anna nodded in understanding. “In that regard, he’s just like Elsa.”

“Hey!”

Iduna and Anna shared a grin. Then Iduna turned to Remus. “Ready?”

Remus nodded, offering his arm. “I must admit, this magical traveling is an utter nightmare,” Iduna muttered.

With a pop, they both vanished.

Later, when the house was quiet, Harry sat alone in his room with Hedwig.

Only the faint hum of the old CD player filled the air.

He wore the headphones, and at that moment, a song by the Beatles was playing, Think for Yourself. Harry was hearing it for the first time.

The Dursleys had hardly ever listened to music. Whenever Dudley was home, the television was always blaring, or Petunia was watching her blasted cooking shows, trying to copy the dishes she saw. Not that she ever succeeded in making them.

He closed his eyes, and for a moment, the music felt strangely familiar. Deep inside, buried in some distant memory, he almost thought he could remember a faint laughter. His mother’s.

“What are you doing?” a voice suddenly asked behind him.

Harry turned around. Elsa stood in the doorway.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she whispered, already turning to leave.

“It’s alright,” Harry murmured. “I… just wanted to know what songs my mum liked.”

Elsa stepped closer, carefully, almost hesitantly. Finally, she asked, “May I?”

Harry handed her one of the headphones.

She put it on, and in her eyes reflected the warm, soft glow of the player’s light. The music played quietly, and for a moment, everything was still.

I’ve left you far behind

Then Elsa said softly, “I think she would have loved you very much.”

Harry smiled faintly. He turned the volume down, and the melody slowly faded away. Elsa looked at him gently, with that kind of gaze that didn’t need any words.

“Happy birthday, Harry,” she whispered.