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Love, Eyes and Family

~~~~~Marlene MacKinnon~~~~~

August 7th, 1983

Marlene was finally finding some success. In the last two years since her family home was destroyed, she'd been in hiding and on the run. She'd heard about the attack on the Potters - losing Jamie and Lily was hard. But through the grapevine, she'd found out that the Potter child - Harry - was being raised in secret. By Muggles, if her guess was right. She'd overheard Daedalus mentioning a cat in Surrey that resembled McGonagall's Animagus form. On the 1st of November, 1981. That was no coincidence.

She'd managed to find a Squib she knew - Arabella Figg. The old woman was Dumbledore's, through and through - but it didn't take much to convince her to divulge which house little Harry was in. Figg wouldn't ever settle for something this run-down unless it was important - she had the most lucrative Kneazle-Rearing business in the Isles.

So that was how Marlene found herself on the doorstep of Number Four, Privet Drive. She'd 'Muggled' herself up, putting on slacks, a nice blouse, and even a blazer. She wanted to look presentable, and figured the Muggles would appreciate someone who looked like they would. She raised her hand and knocked thrice on the door.

After a moment, the door opened to reveal a fairly average height woman with straight, straw-blonde hair that was drastically different from Marlene's own honey-blonde ringlets. "Hello, may I help you?" The woman asked in a clipped tone.

Marlene gave her most diplomatic smile, "Hello. You're Mrs. Dursley, correct? I was a friend of your sister's, and I've come to check on Harry."

The woman stiffened, her jaw tightening, "So you're one of them." Her tone had gone from clipped to sharp, but to her credit she didn't slam the door in Marlene's face. Better than some of the Muggleborn homes she'd visited back when she was an Auror, checking to make sure children weren't being abused by the more… religious parents.

Marlene's eyes tightened but she didn't falter, "I am, Mrs. Dursley. I promise to be out of your hair as quickly as I can be. I just…" She paused, wondering what to say. She needed to see Harry. To make sure he was okay. She owed it to Lily and Jamie. "I just want to see that he's okay."

Mrs. Dursley's gaze narrowed, "The boy is fine," she hissed, moving to close the door.

Marlene stuck her foot in and forced it open, "I'm afraid I must insist. I'm here on behalf of Albus Dumbledore. I'm sure you know how powerful he is, if you know of magic." The lie came easily to Marlene. She'd done it plenty of times in the last couple years - lying to get by either in the Muggle or Magical worlds. Besides, something about the way Dursley said 'the boy' bothered her. Why not use his name?

Mrs. Dursley froze, a scowl crossing her face. She met Marlene's icy blue eyes with her own slate grey ones. Marlene slowly opened her blazer to show her wand, raising an eyebrow. The other woman pursed her lips and opened the door, "You may as well come in. He's in the kitchen. Don't you dare bother my husband."

Marlene inclined her head, entering the house. It was… disgustingly prim and proper. She'd never seen anything so meticulously cared for. It unnerved her.

Mrs. Dursley closed the door behind her, and strode ahead to what Marlene assumed was the kitchen. She saw the woman bend over by a large man with a thick blonde mustache, and as she slowly approached the kitchen she saw a rather large toddler sitting in a high-chair that seemed to barely fit him. He was definitely not Harry - the blonde hair was almost as much a giveaway as the white skin. From what she knew, Lily and Jamie's son would have a darker tone of skin.

She entered the kitchen and frowned when she didn't see the expected second high chair, or the other toddler. She arched an eyebrow at Mrs. Dursley while Mr. Dursley glared at Marlene in kind.

"Where's Harry?" Marlene asked coolly, palming her wand. While Mrs. Dursley had strode ahead of her, she'd shifted it to be hidden up her sleeve instead of inside her coat.

Mr. Dursley scowled, "In there." He jerked a thumb to the cooking area. Marlene's eyes narrowed. Something was definitely wrong.

She entered the cooking area, and it didn't take long to see Harry… sitting on the floor in front of the fridge. He flinched when he saw her, but Marlene couldn't help the tightness in her chest. He looked… small for his age. Not by much, but certainly much smaller than the Dursley boy. His hair was jet black, as expected - and when he looked at her, she saw the stunning green eyes and the spiderweb shape of a lightning-like scar on his forehead.

She approached cautiously since he'd flinched, crouching about half a meter away. "Hi, Harry. My name's Marlene. How are you?" She asked softly, using the kinder tone she had put on with abused children in the past. She wasn't certain with Harry. Maybe he was just shy. Maybe the Dursleys were just cold people. But…

Harry didn't reply. He just looked at her worriedly. His clothes… were overly large. Wide, and just… too big. More than one could argue for a kid who needs room to grow. They also had long sleeves… in summer.

Mr. Dursley growled as he set his coffee mug down loudly. Harry flinched. Marlene turned around as she felt her sneaking suspicions and maybes had become undeniable proof.

"Leave already," Mr. Dursley snarled, glaring at her. "We don't want more freaks in our house."

Marlene rose to her feet, wand slipping into her hand. The adult Dursleys' eyes bulged as she pointed it at them.

"Obliviate."

~~~~~Marlene MacKinnon~~~~~

She tucked her wand away. After she'd meticulously and artfully scrubbed and wiped the adult Dursleys' minds of every single memory of herself and of Harry, she'd scanned the household for anything important or magical and found nothing. So, she Stunned the adults and cast a Sleeping Charm on the more scared-looking toddler, their son. Wiping memories of children under the age of five was unwise, so she just cast a hex on the household that prevented anyone from talking about Harry or herself. Hopefully that would work.

She crouched by Harry again, who looked terrified, but held her hands out placatingly and leaned back so she wasn't positioned in an intimidating way. "Harry… sweetie, it's okay. I don't think you should be here. I knew your parents, dear. I can… I can make you safe. Can you come with me? Please?" She held out her hand, palm-up. Hopefully he understood. This looked like it could be some kind of punishment.

Harry looked at her fearfully… but she saw with a bit of surprise as his eyes turned from emerald green to the same icy blue as her own. He looked… hopeful. She made herself give the three-year-old Metamorphmagus a brave smile, and after a moment… he reached out to her. Marlene felt her heart melt as she gently lifted under his arms and held him on her hip. He was lighter than he should be, but he also clung to her tightly. Marlene gently stroked his hair as she went into the living room. She knew this was going to be unpleasant for Harry, but they had to get somewhere safe. So she righted her hold on him, got a firm destination in mind, and Disapparated.

Seconds later, she was near a very raggedy looking, tall house that seemed near-ready to fall over. Harry whimpered and she shushed him softly.

"I know, sweetie. I know. We won't stay long. I just want Molly to take a look at you. Okay, baby?" She whispered, gently brushing his hair to cover the scar. She needed Molly to not overreact. The woman had already nearly kicked up a fuss when Marlene revealed she'd been alive a few weeks ago.

She gently knocked on the door, and a few minutes later Bill opened it. He was twelve, now. If Marlene was right, next year would be his second at Hogwarts.

"Hey, Bill," she greeted warmly. "I need to talk to your Mum. Can you let her know Marley's here?"

Bill nodded, "'Course." He went inside and a few moments later Molly was at the door.

"Marley!" She greeted her warmly, before her eyes locked on Harry. "And… a baby?"

Marlene nodded, "I need you to do a check-up, Molly. He isn't well. Rescued him. You know me, can't keep my nose out of anything even on the run."

Molly smiled, "Come on in, then. You're in luck. We've only a few days til' little Ginny turns two, so Arthur's been at home helping with her and Ron."

Marlene smirked as she followed the redheaded woman inside, and the smirk turned into a smile as she felt Harry properly fall asleep in her arms. He was probably exhausted. She continued to stroke his hair as she followed Molly through the House, up several stairs. Two twin boys - maybe five years old - poked their heads out of a room. They grinned and waved at Marlene, who waved back but put a finger to her lips and glanced at Harry. The boys nodded seriously and hid back away.

"Don't mind Fred and George," Molly whispered, clearly having caught on that Harry was asleep. "They're a bit mischievous, but honestly have been behaving themselves ever since Priscilla had an Accidental that nearly blew their room up. Of course, before then we'd been calling her 'Percival', and she didn't care much for that name." Molly shrugged while Marlene was a bit surprised at this.

"Wait… what?" She asked softly while Molly led her into a bedroom that she assumed was Molly and Arthur's.

Molly chuckled kindly, "She doesn't want to be a boy, and honestly I can't blame her. She realized it when Ginny started calling her 'Pris'. It was a mispronunciation - babies, you know - and… well, it stuck. A Healer I know says we can make sure she goes through a girl's puberty if she wants, so…" She shrugged before softly closing the door. "Now. Let me take a look at the dear."

Marlene paused, "Just… one thing, Molly." Molly frowned and raised a questioning eyebrow. Marlene cast a Privacy Charm on the door, and she held a finger to her lips to gesture for silence. Molly looked worried but nodded, and then Marlene gently lifted Harry's bangs.

Molly's eyes bugged out of her head, and she seemed ready to shout in shock. Marlene swiftly shook her head, and Molly managed to not raise her voice. "You… what…?"

Marlene pursed her lips. She would've set Harry down to explain, but in his sleep the little one had an iron grip. So she kept her grasp up and explained how the Dursleys treated him, and her suspicions about Dumbledore's involvement. While she spoke, Molly performed a few Diagnostic Spells on Harry - likely to check for any problems.

When she was done, Molly took a few steadying breaths. "... You weren't wrong about the abuse," she said sadly, her shoulders sagging. "He's underweight - too much. It's not good. Some bruises, though they seem a bit old… You… Do you plan on caring for him? You know it's a bad idea. You're on the run, Marley. Maybe we can ask someone else?"

Marlene shook her head, "I wish, but I can't. I don't trust Dumbledore - not if he couldn't even make sure Harry was properly being raised. Besides, I'm managing on my own - I can put in some hard work to keep him safe." She sighed as she looked at the boy in her arms, "Besides… I owe it to them. Lily and James."

She saw Molly wince, before the woman shook her head. "Fine. I know better than to argue with you. Just… visit sometimes, okay? Or keep in touch?"

Marlene nodded, "I'll do what I can. We'll probably travel Europe. I have some friends I can reach out to, and I can still access the MacKinnon Vaults without the Ministry knowing." She shrugged a bit, "Gringotts values privacy."

Molly shook her head, "Can you at least stay for a meal?"

Marlene pursed her lips as she glanced at Harry, snoozing away. His expression was tight… was he having a nightmare? He was so thin…

"... one meal. But your kids need to not touch him. I… I can't risk anyone knowing his identity if I can help it. I'm already taking a big one coming here."

Molly nodded, "I can keep my kids in line. Bill and Arthur will help. Don't you worry - Albus won't learn from us."

Marlene smiled gratefully at Molly, "Thank you. This means the world to me."

Molly waved her off as she went to get some Anti-Bruise salve, "Nonsense. You were part of the Order - that makes you a friend. Besides, anyone helping a child in need is good in my book."

~~~~~Marlene MacKinnon~~~~~

The next six years had been relatively peaceful - or at least bearable. Marlene and Harry moved locations every few weeks. Harry got used to Apparition quickly, since it was the quickest and safest option. She was glad she'd found and secured so many holes in the walls across Europe during the War and the two years before she rescued Harry. She even secured more across the world as they began to travel further and further out.

It had originally been a surprise when his eyes never changed back - last she heard, young Metamorphmagi couldn't hold a transformation for more than a few days. But they were the same icy blue as Marlene's normally now - only occasionally shifting. Only when she contacted Reginald Robards - a French Metamorphmagus - did she learn that young Metamorphmagi could undergo permanent transformations to their true self. It wasn't more than five months into her raising Harry that his hair turned into golden curls that matched hers as well. She'd wanted to cry when it happened, and had cried when they didn't revert back a week later.

She felt sorry for Jamie and Lily, and tried her best to teach Harry that she wasn't his Mum. He'd understood, but never stopped calling her that. Eventually she'd stopped fighting it - it was… nice, even if she felt guilty for it. Still, it made sense for their cover. Especially in Muggle Communities.

It had thrown her off how… poorly she was treated sometimes by Muggles. Because of Harry, for some mad reason. They seemed to think that because Marlene was white and Harry was black, that she was the scum of society and Harry's father was some deadbeat. That had upset her immensely. She never knew Muggles could be so… judgmental. And for skin colour at that. It was mad! She'd expected to be doubted as his mother - that would have made sense. Instead they seemed to only believe it more than ever, and treated her unkindly as a result. It sickened Marlene greatly, and she started preferring fringe Magical communities as a result.

The more interesting, positive parts of Harry's upbringing had been his behaviors. He liked emulating Marlene a lot - and she was very much a 'girly girl' when she wasn't hard at work. Still, Priscilla Weasley stuck in her mind - the little girl who wanted to be a girl despite her body. So when Harry asked for Marlene to paint his nails, braid his hair or let him wear a skirt, she didn't say no. He deserved as much love and happiness as she could give him, to make up not only for the loss of his blood parents, but also for the year and change he'd suffered at the hands of the Dursleys.

She taught him a lot. Some Muggle things with the help of the fringe 'LGBT' Communities she found, where she occasionally met women who were interested in her. If she hadn't still been heartbroken from the death of Dorcas back in '81, or on the run with a child, she would have considered pursuing a relationship. But as it stood, her subscription to the Prophet told her how there were a number of Death Eaters that had either escaped or falsely claimed the Imperius Curse. It also told her that it was known Harry was missing, and that Dumbledore had everyone he knew looking for Harry. That was why they moved every few weeks.

Holidays were a bit easier. Especially since she was able to start getting a bit of income by selling her services as an Ex-Auror, or brewing Potions here and there, or even working as an Enchanter and warding properties. Tasks that only took a few days, so she could prioritize her time with Harry. He needed protection… but also friendship, and that was hard to come by.

Muggle communities treated him oddly because of his preferred feminine appearance, and the LGBT Communities - while kind - were primarily adults and older children. They were good for babysitting if she needed help there, but that was it. In the Magical community she couldn't risk it because of the child's scar, which she had a great deal of anxiety surrounding, even in spite of the permanent glamour she'd placed on it early in raising him.

She focused a lot on his education. She taught him about Aztec, Hindu and Egyptian magics, as they were the best for warding, and he seemed to really like it. Of course, she could only show him the basics and teach him very little, as he was too young to reliably use magic. Still, she felt it was good for him to know about magic from a young age, with all those looking for him.

Potions were easy to teach, at least - as were History, basic Muggle Healing techniques, Runes, Arithmancy… stuff he would learn at Hogwarts when he went, plus some magical topics she found unique to specific countries. She even taught him some Muggle self-defense, just in case. Still, Marlene wasn't sure what all to teach a child, as her own pre-Hogwarts education was nonexistent. She didn't want Harry to be just as unaware as the Muggleborns, but she also wanted him to know some Muggle topics so that he was more grounded than the Purebloods. So she taught him maths, made sure he had reading and writing down pat - in English, Finnish, Dutch and French, no less. Her own Finnish was shoddy, but a couple months in Helsinki got it sharpened and let her buy the books she'd need to teach Harry the basics. She wouldn't deny it was over the top, but she was preparing for if he had to go to Beauxbatons, Notenbalken or Maailman Taikuutta. Hogwarts would have the children of Death Eaters - if something happened, she was transferring him. Flat-out.

He quickly developed a personality all his own. She saw hints of Lily's bravery whenever someone judged them and he glared at them, but also of Jamie's gleeful humor whenever something silly happened. Amusingly, she also saw skittishness that reminded her of Peter, a fiery temper that was a perfect match for Flavia's… and far, far more of herself than Marlene could have expected. Sure, she was raising Harry… but he liked the same girly things she did. He loved stretching in the morning with her, enjoyed practicing calligraphy, and the way his eyes lit up every time she showed him a magical topic reminded her of how Dorcas said she looked whenever the Professors started a new subject at Hogwarts.

They spent the occasional Holiday visiting a friend, and of course Harry's birthday she always made for just the two of them. Ice cream and a day trip to interesting places like the Wixen Louvre, Scamander's Magic Zoo, the Golden City of El Dorado, and once she even took him to a giant underground lake in Australia that wixen considered the best for good luck. But other holidays were different. Samhain she reserved to mourn the Potters, and Harry joined her in that - he missed them, she thought. Or perhaps just the idea of them. Maybe he just wished they hadn't died so that Marlene wouldn't cry every Samhain for them. She couldn't be sure. Harry was a peculiar boy, and she knew he'd attached to her - the unchanging honey-blonde curls and icy blue eyes that served as stark contrast to his darker-brown skin were proof of that.

She visited Molly once every great while. The woman always had baked goods for them - as well as the occasional sweater. Bronze with a blue 'M' for Marlene, a Ravenclaw alum, and for Harry she'd initially gone with green and a golden letter. Though when she saw Harry's new hair and eyes, she switched to alternate between a golden sweater with a bright blue 'H' on it, and sometimes the same scheme but with the colours swapped. Harry had beamed and - for the first time - hugged someone other than Marlene.

He also quite liked spending time with Priscilla during their visits, since she didn't ask questions about who he was or try to roughhouse. The Twins and little Ron liked those things, so Harry avoided them. When they weren't at Hogwarts, Bill and Charlotte were very sweet to Harry and - since Marlene taught them how to work around the Trace, for which she'd received one of Molly's trademark Howlers - showed off what they learned, much to Harry's delight. Ginny was… skittish, but Marlene had a feeling it was because her brothers - Ron and the Twins - tended to push her out of things. She liked Harry well enough.

Marlene had given the Weasley kids - and the few other people they'd met and befriended in the Magical world - the fake nickname 'Marley', while for Harry she'd given him the fake name 'Magnus'. She felt a bit guilty using Dad's name, but Harry seemed to like using the name 'Magnus MacKinnon', though Marlene had felt like it was because of the 'MacKinnon', not 'Magnus'. He desperately wanted to be part of her family, and her reluctance was wearing down. Quickly.

July 24th, 1989

A week before Harry's ninth birthday, she was prepared to give in. But not without a fight.

They were in the Isles, by Godric's Hollow. Old Asmodeus Boot had a cottage he let them rent once a year, and she'd chosen July for it this year.

Today they were disguised. Marlene had used a glamour on her face and wore a Muggle dress, while Harry's own curls - long enough to reach his waist - had been put into a ponytail while he wore a small sundress of his own. He looked exactly like a little girl, and with his hand in hers, Marlene felt very much like he was safe.

They entered the cemetery, slowly approaching the tombstone of the Potters. This was the first time she'd had the strength to actually visit. It had been almost eight years since Sirius betrayed the Potters. When she'd told Harry the truth - sans all the gory details - he'd been immensely upset, but after crying it out he seemed to be okay, since Sirius was in Azkaban.

She crouched in front of the tombstone, gently setting down the ritual bowl she had brought. She went to her knees, and Harry did the same.

"Hi, Jamie. Hi, Lily… I've got Harry with me," Marlene whispered, gently wrapping an arm around him. "He… he wants to be family with me. I…" She chuckled softly as a tear slid down her face. She didn't wipe it away. "... I want him to be mine, too. I'll admit it. He calls me 'Mum'. I doubt you two could ever say no if you could see his little face…"

Harry leaned against her, looking sadly at the tombstone. "... Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad. I… I don't really remember you… Mu– Marlene, she… she's told me about you. Showed me pictures… taught me about you… I… I miss you, I think. But… but you're gone…" His voice was soft, tears sliding down his face, too. Marlene gently kissed the top of his head. "She… she said we can do the Rite of Blood-Bonding. I'd be her kid, in every way. But… but she wanted to do it here. For you to be a part of it… I'm sorry…"

Marlene took a slow breath and kissed the top of his head again, "It's okay, Harry… I… I think they'd understand." She didn't know if they would, truly. Maybe they wouldn't. But if that little lie would help Harry sleep better… if it would make sure he doesn't feel ashamed of speaking his mind, of saying what he wants… she would do it again. The truth was important, but so too was it important that children could speak their minds and be honest with themselves.

She pricked her finger with the enchanted athame, letting three drops of blood enter the magical concoction within the bowl. She'd prepared it for months to get this right.

She gently passed the athame to Harry, and he did the same. There was a puff of smoke, and Marlene ran some magic through the bowl… and that was it. He was just as much her child as he was Lily's. Part of her thought there should've been more pomp and fireworks, but she was glad there wasn't for the sake of privacy. Besides, with the blood mother being dead, Magic considered the role open - so as long as there was trust, entering it was an easy task.

She Vanished the contents of the bowl, and then tucked the bowl away. But before she stood, Harry gently tugged at her sleeve.

"Um… M-Mum?"

She blinked in surprise, but settled back down, "What is it, Harry? Did you want to stay longer?"

He shook his head, "No, I… I had something I wanted to tell you, but… but with them here, too." He gestured slightly to the tombstone, "I… I don't want to be… 'Harry Potter' anymore…"

Her eyebrows rose, but she didn't let her surprise show further. She remembered how Molly told her Priscilla's coming out went, and the few instances where she'd witnessed a Muggle LGBT kid come out to the small communities. This felt similar, so she gently wrapped an arm around him.

"That's okay. Do you have a name you want to use instead?"

He nodded, "Um… M-Manasa. Manasa Kukulcan MacKinnon. I… I want to be a girl. Not all the time, but… more than I want to be a boy, or something in between. I-I… I just don't want to be a boy."

Marlene recalled how they'd read about the Hindu goddess of serpents and prosperity, as well as the Mesoamerican feathered snake god. That had likely been where Ha… Manasa got her name. It was a beautiful one, to be sure. She found a tiny smirk on her face as she realized it was also an 'M' name. Perfect for the MacKinnons.

Marlene hugged the small girl that had wormed her way into her heart, gently stroking her beautiful curls. "I'd love to have Manasa Kukulcan MacKinnon as my daughter," she murmured. Manasa giggled before she hiccuped, hugging Marlene tightly. If Marlene felt the wet tears on her shoulder, she never told her now-daughter.

~~~~~Marlene MacKinnon~~~~~

The next year-and-a-half was a whirlwind. Manasa's wardrobe wasn't a problem, and with how she'd been practicing her Metamorphmagus abilities, she was quickly proving herself quite talented. Marlene didn't know it was possible, but she realized she had started to love her daughter more and more every single day. It was a wonderful feeling.

Manasa really liked studying Enchanting and Warding, so Marlene taught her more on those. Soon, Manasa was helping her engrave runestones and had her own Enchanting kit. She also furthered her daughter's education by introducing wandless magic.

Nothing major, but she felt Manasa would benefit from knowing a small handful of spells she called the 'Wixen Essentials'. Unlocking, Silencing, Tripping, and a handful of other small basics. Manasa struggled to learn, but Marlene was steady with her education - she'd figured out how Manasa liked to learn by now, so she fine-tuned the education to match. She never knew teaching could be this fun, but it was.

Manasa also got a number of gifts from the few people they regularly saw. The Muggle LGBT Groups they returned to gave her hearty congratulations as well as some pins, more clothes and a number of useful items. Molly of course changed her newest jumper for Manasa to be a slightly different cut, with two 'M's on it, but the same colours as before. Manasa loved it, and also loved spending time with Charlie - Charlotte had turned out to want to be a boy, which led to the Twins teasing that they traded genders. Ron had been a smidge put off by Manasa's change, but Priscilla and Ginny loved it. They were happy Manasa realized she was 'one of the girls' after all. Both Manasa and Marlene had cried at that - the easy, immediate acceptance.

As the time for Manasa's Hogwarts acceptance letter neared, Marlene began localizing their moves to be near or within the Isles almost exclusively - and more frequent. She couldn't place it, but she felt like until the Book of Names gave a location for 'Harry Potter', they'd never let up. Manasa pretended she didn't mind, but Marlene could tell it was wearing on her daughter.

But then July 31st, 1991 came. Finally.

The letter flew through their window in their hole-in-the-wall in Reykjavik, and Marlene caught it deftly. It had their address, and was indeed addressed to Manasa's deadname. Though, for once her deadname didn't seem to bother her - likely because she knew it was better they weren't aware of it.

Marlene had their next location picked out already. After they gathered their things, it was with a soft 'pop' that they vacated the premises and Apparated to Diagon Alley.

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

Roads, Wands and Owls

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

July 31st, 1991

The familiar tugging sensation had Manasa and her Mum appear in Diagon Alley. She'd only seen it a handful of times before - Mum didn't want to spend much time in Wixen London, since it was risky.

Today Manasa was wearing her favorite dark blue sundress and a denim jacket. She hadn't had to disguise herself at all, but to be safe she'd morphed her jaw and nose a bit, to match Mum's more than Lily Potter's. Mum had outright used a glamour to change her face, though not much - most people around wouldn't remember what Marlene MacKinnon looked like.

They didn't have to stop by Gringotts at all - since the Kobold-run administration was so drastically separate from the Ministry, they'd gotten Manasa's name changed with them ages ago. They'd also registered Mum as her Magical Guardian - well, when it came to Gringotts matters anyhow. Ministerial ones would be her godmother - Flavia Lupin. Besides, Mum had enough money on her that she didn't want to make extra trips.

They bought her books first and slipped them into the spare enchanted trunk they'd gotten in Norway a few months ago. She kept her belongings in the shrunken trunk in her jacket's left inner pocket, and the school supplies were going in the spare she usually kept in the right. They didn't have to get her any potions materials - Mum's storehouse in Caithness had plenty, so they'd stock her up there. All they bought were the scales and cauldron, as well as some new protective gear.

Then they made a trip to Fortescue's for some ice cream - Manasa's favorite. She loved the honey-swirl caramel, though Mum always got plain vanilla. After finishing the ice cream, Mum said they'd need to get her fitted for robes, but she wanted her to have better quality and some modifications, so they went to Twilfitt and Tattings.

"Hello. I just need some uniforms for my daughter, please," Mum asked kindly of the woman behind the counter.

"Sure, sure," the woman replied leisurely as she gestured over to a fitting area. "Got another couple kids being fitted. Hope you don't mind. With Hogwarts coming so close, we can't be as private as usual."

Mum looked at Manasa, "That okay with you, Mana? I was going to grab you a couple things…"

Manasa nodded her head, "It's fine, Mum." She gave Mum a hug that was returned, as well as her usual kiss to the top of Manasa's head.

"Alright. I won't be long. Promise." Mum left, and Manasa saw the anxiety on her face - she felt it herself, but… well, it was like the lady at the counter said. Hogwarts was close. She'd be spending most of her time away from Mum. She'd done a few evenings and days away from Mum before, anyway. It was no big deal.

The lady gave her a warm smile, "Anxious about Hogwarts, I take it?"

Manasa nodded a bit shyly, "Mum taught at home til' recently. It's… pretty exciting, but scary."

The lady chuckled at that as she led Manasa to the back, "I can't blame you. The weeks leading up to my first train ride were quite nerve-wracking. I'm Muggleborn, myself, so it was already a shock."

Manasa hummed at that as the lady got her standing onto a stool, and then magical measuring tapes began every measurement that could be found while the lady looked at a slip of paper Manasa had seen Mum slip her.

"Huh. Guess your Mum knows her stuff - she's got a good list of add-ons here. All within bounds for a first-year, too." She shook her head and chuckled again. "Well dear, it'll take a few minutes for the tapes to do their work. You might see some fabric fly around, but don't worry. I'll call you when all's done. Feel free to chat with the others, if you'd like. I'll have to add your Mum's requests to your order."

Manasa nodded nervously before the woman left, and then she was alone with two kids. One was a very pale boy with hair so blond it could have been white, and the other was a boy with skin almost as dark as Manasa's, though his hair was black.

"Are you also getting ready for Hogwarts?" The blonde boy asked politely, though he seemed to be evaluating her a bit.

"Yes, I am. We considered Beauxbatons and Notenbalken, but Mum wanted me to try Hogwarts first since it was where she went." She gave a light shrug, and smiled as she felt her curls shift with the movement. They'd gotten down to her hips now, and with help from her morphing abilities she upkept them to the best of her ability every day.

The boy seemed a bit impressed, "Not bad. Notenbalken's pretty prestigious. Father wanted me to go to Durmstrang, of course, but decided on Hogwarts because of the more local politics."

The other boy chuckled at that, "We're eleven. Why bother with politics? I migrated here from Italy with Mia Madre, so I technically could go to Stivacalco, but I wanted to try Hogwarts out because it has a better Potions instructor."

Manasa frowned as she tried to recall the name of the Potions master, "Slughorn, right? Mum said he was the one who taught her."

"Oh, no," the blonde boy cut in, "it's my godfather. Severus Snape. Slughorn retired."

Manasa calmed the quickened beating of her heart at that name. The name of the man who Mum believed had worked with Sirius Black to kill her birth parents. She was thankful for the Occlumency Mum had taught her in the last year - it let her stay calm.

"You mentioned Notenbalken… Do you speak Dutch?" The blonde boy asked with a raised eyebrow.

Manasa nodded, "English, Dutch, French and Finnish - well, Finnish is a bit awkward sometimes. Mum and I traveled all our lives. She doesn't like being tied down."

The dark-haired boy frowned at that, "Your father… isn't in the picture?"

Manasa bristled a bit at that. She'd gotten enough judgment from crueler Muggles for her lack of a father figure. "No, he isn't. He's dead," she replied, a bit sharper than she meant to. Still, the cold stares she and Mum had gotten felt fresh in her mind.

The boy flinched, "I… I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry."

Manasa simply nodded.

"So what House do you think you'll be in?" The blonde boy cut in, possibly to defuse the situation. "I'm bound for Slytherin - I'd be fine with Ravenclaw, though. Gods forbid that Hat think I'm a Gryffindor, or - ugh - a Hufflepuff."

The dark-haired boy hummed thoughtfully, "I've heard of Hogwarts' Houses. I suppose I don't particularly care - as long as I can succeed, what does it matter?"

The blonde snorted, "Sounds like Slytherin, if you ask me. And you?" He arched an eyebrow at Manasa.

She thought about it carefully, "I suppose… I'm not sure. Wouldn't it be nice to have all the good traits? As brave and confident as Gryffindor, as hard-working and loyal as Hufflepuff, as creative and wise as Ravenclaw, and as ambitious and forward-thinking as Slytherin."

The blonde boy seemed impressed, "Huh… I suppose that's not a bad way to think of it. You'll be good to keep an eye on. I'm Draco - Draco Malfoy." He held out his hand.

After a moment, Manasa accepted it. "Manasa. Mum said I can't share my family name until I get to Hogwarts - sorry."

Draco shrugged, "Fair enough. Can't blame you for having your reasons to keep your secrets… ah, there's Mother and Father. I suppose I'll see you at Hogwarts. Should be an interesting year, with Harry Potter arriving."

Manasa nodded, once again keeping her Occlumency shields up at her deadname. It would be a very interesting year indeed. She mentally noted to stay far away from Malfoy, though - if she could help it anyhow. Mum told her all about Lucius' Death Eating behavior.

"I'm Blaise," the other boy commented, shaking her out of her thoughts. "Hope you don't mind me keeping my last name private as well."

Manasa shook her head, "No, not at all. It would be hypocritical if I did."

Blaise chuckled, "I guess it would. Got a favorite subject?"

Manasa nodded and a smile entered her face, "I'm interested in the Electives - Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Mum taught me some, actually. Though I suppose History and Transfiguration will be quite nice." She didn't remark that her interest in Transfiguration was due to her Metamorphmagus abilities. Mum said to keep that a secret until the Sorting, too.

Blaise nodded, "I'm looking forward to Potions, of course, but I think History could be interesting. I think it's taught by a ghost, though - that's a problem. They cause people to fall asleep if they talk too long."

Manasa frowned, "That's a shame… I've always liked History and Mythology. Mum's taught me Magical and Muggle History from all over the world. Damn…"

Blaise grimaced, "That's nice. At least your Mum got you some good education there. Who knows? Maybe you'll be able to stay awake, if the subject interests you that much." He frowned and looked to the front. "Oh, Madre is here. Well, it was nice seeing you, Manasa."

She returned the farewell as Blaise left. He seemed nice - maybe they could be friends. If nothing else he didn't seem as oddly… skin-crawly as Malfoy did.

As she heard the tiny chime that meant Mum had arrived, she recalled that Ronald Weasley would be arriving at Hogwarts with her as well. Hopefully his shopping was going well. Mum had mentioned the Weasleys struggled financially for a while until Bill got a job working for Gringotts and was able to pitch in. Maybe they'd be okay this year.

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

Manasa hadn't been surprised when Mum said they'd get her wand elsewhere. Apparently Ollivander's only carried Dragon Heartstring, Unicorn Hair and Phoenix Feathers wands due to the old man's age, and he didn't make customs anymore, but Mum wanted Manasa to have two wands - which of course requires one to be custom so that it can be made to synchronize with her and a natural match.

So, they Apparated to La Rue du Nundu in France. As always, Manasa smiled at Mum's ability for long-range Apparition. Apparently she'd practiced it as much as she could so they could get further away than anyone else could reach in one jump, and also practiced rapidfire Apparition for the same reason. As it was, Mum could get them across the entirety of the world in the span of a few minutes if she wanted, though it'd leave her immensely tired.

They headed to a French Wandmaker named 'Perks et Gauthier'. Inside, a woman with sandy-blonde hair met them with a warm smile.

"Bienvenue, Marley. It has been a while," Mrs. Perks greeted, grinning before she pecked Mum on either cheek, which Mum reciprocated. "And here is little Manasa! You've gotten taller, haven't you?" Manasa grinned and morphed herself about 6 centimeters taller.

"Did I?" She replied cheekily before she greeted Mrs. Perks in the usual French fashion.

Mrs. Perks laughed warmly as she gave Manasa a warm hug before the girl resumed her usual height. "I see Manon's lessons haven't escaped you."

Manasa grinned, "Nope! I practice every day."

Mum rolled her eyes, "Drives me bonkers with it, sometimes. It's a bit alarming to hear a girl with your daughter's voice wake you up in the morning with lime green waves and bright red eyes."

Mrs. Perks snorted, "Merde, I have enough trouble with Chloé, and she has no such gift. She gets antsier every year. She'll probably beg you for letters, too, Mana. Be ready for it."

Manasa giggled at that, but Mum went all business-like, then.

"Alright, Ursula, I think it's time we handle the reason we're visiting. Manasa needs her wands. Two of them. I'd like one to be a natural, and the second to be custom. I've got a few cores to choose from, depending on how things go." She lifted the briefcase she had with her, and Mrs. Perks grinned.

"Ah, oui, a girl's first - and second - wand. Always a momentous occasion. You were wise to choose us instead of Garrick. The man's genius, but until his daughter takes over the store? Bah, he's doing subpar work." She waved her own jet-black wand and an array of measuring tapes arrived and began measuring Manasa all over. Between her nostrils, the length of her arm, and even the length of her curls.

"Yes. Well, we also wanted to come here since we knew you. The Finnish and Dutch stores could have worked just as well, since Mana knows those languages as well…"

Mrs. Perks nodded at Mum's words as she strode over to a shelf and began looking at the wands, "Oh, I understand, Marley. Familiarity with the wix improves the accuracy of the choosing, and the efficacy of custom wands. Wandlore has always been a finicky thing, but those who know it?" She pulled a box off the shelf, a smirk on her face. "We have good instincts. Here, Mana, give this one a go."

Mrs. Perks took the lid of the box off, revealing a very beautiful auburn colored wand, with the handle having been lacquered a more intense red. She took the wand, and immediately felt a warmth spread through her entire body. Involuntarily she felt her hair morph to be a fiery red and totally straight. She shuddered as she turned her hair back. "Yeah. This is the one. That… wow."

Mrs. Perks smirked, "I had a feeling. The wood is Royal Poinciana - a tree native to India. Like your chosen name. If a wand chooses the wix, then surely it would especially like a wix who chose her own name?" She chuckled and continued her explanation, "The measurement is just right - 27 centimeters. Good for an adjustable height like yours. It'll be a bit whippy, but that just shows your morals are strong while your mind is flexible. The core is the interesting part - Horned Serpent Jewel. They went extinct a decade ago, but that core is a good one. In Wandlore, it means 'Fluidity'. I believe that suits little Mana well."

Manasa beamed, and gently returned the wand to the box, which Mrs. Perks set on the counter. Then she gestured for Mum to set the briefcase down as well.

"Let us see what you've brought for your little girl," Mrs. Perks mused before opening the briefcase. Inside, Manasa saw four vials filled with long, thin materials that glowed faintly. One purple, one green, one yellow and one red. Mrs. Perks laughed when she saw them. "Merde, Marley - this is above and beyond."

Mum flushed, but put a hand on Manasa's shoulder. "Nothing but the best. Ideally, I'd like a dual-core. The Nundu and Wampus Cat fangs." She gestured to the purple and yellow ones, respectively. "But I got the Manticore chitin and Quintaped claw just in case." She gestured to the green and red, respectively.

Mrs. Perks chuckled, "You know how to pitch a challenge. Let us see…" She lifted the green vial, frowning at it. "Manticore chitin would suit your wand, Marley, but it clashes too much with the Horned Serpent Jewel. Fire and Water, they do not mix. The Quintaped… perhaps, but I have an idea for your request."

She waved her own wand and three wooden rods flew over. One a rather deep red, one a brown so dark it could be black, and one a near-white color. "Sequoia, Shedua and Birch. Mana, hold the Royal Poinciana wand and touch each of these. Let me know which one feels right."

Manasa nodded a bit hesitantly and took the auburn wand in her hand again. Once again she felt a warmth run through her, and she touched the Birch, first. It felt ice-cold, so she shook her head. The Shedua was… neutral. It could work, it could not. But when she touched the Sequoia, her hand felt warm - she felt a shudder run through her again. "The Sequoia. That's the one."

Mrs. Perks' eyes glittered with joy. "Wonderful. Leave the wand, and come back in three hours. I'll need some time to craft your wand. I'll see what I can do about the Dual-Core, but I make no promises. You are lucky that the Nundu and Wampus are both felines - they pair well together."

Mum shrugged, but smiled as she led Manasa out to wander Magical Paris for a few hours.

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

When they returned, Mrs. Perks was covered in a thin sheen of sweat as she huffed over two boxes. One for the Royal Poinciana wand, one for - presumably - the Sequoia.

"How'd it go?" Mum asked, expression hopeful.

Mrs. Perks chuckled darkly, "My workshop downstairs looks like someone set a bomb off. As for the results? Hah. That wand is powerful." She rapped a knuckle to the second box, shaking her head. "It's got your Dual-Core alright. I've never seen two Cores be so suited for one another. With it being for a partner wand? I fully expected there to be chaos. No, there was unity. Two woods and three cores should be a recipe for disaster. Instead it was evident I would succeed from the start."

She lifted the lids, and Manasa saw the second wand. Blood red and with a very smooth finish. The handle had a darker brown lacquer to it, and the wand had a more stylish look to it.

"Go on, Mana. Try it," Mrs. Perks encouraged, setting the lids down.

Tentatively, Manasa picked up the second wand. She gasped as it felt like lightning ran through her body. Her hair immediately became chocolate brown and curlier than ever, and she felt as her eyes changed to a bright gold in color. It took a moment for her to calm down and revert to normal. "I… woah. That was…"

Mrs. Perks shook her head, "That, dear Mana, was my masterpiece. Those wands have greater synchronicity than any pair I have ever seen. Hogwarts won't know what hit them." She then looked at Mum. "Let me keep those other two cores, and you can get away with thirty Galleons total for those wands."

Manasa's eyes widened. Thirty Galleons… that was insane. But the cores Mrs. Perks was asking for would probably both be worth ten apiece… so the value of the two wands was closer to fifty Galleons. She knew how insane this was because Mum had done her best to teach Manasa the value of money.

Mum nodded, "Sounds a fair trade." She pulled out her pouch and counted out the gold coins.

"Mum– that–"

"Is more than fair if it means your safety, Mana," Mum replied coolly, setting the last Galleon on the counter. She brushed some of Manasa's golden curls out of her face and kissed her forehead. "Besides. I worked a few extra jobs. They paid well enough. We're fine."

Manasa pursed her lips, but hugged her Mum tightly. "Thanks, Mum. I love you."

Mum chuckled and lifted Manasa up, hugging her back. "I love you, too, Mana."

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

August 9th, 1991

Manasa was confused. They'd returned to Diagon Alley.

"Mum? Why are we at Diagon again?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Mum chuckled, "Your glasses need replacing. I think some magic ones might do you good. Besides, I'm going to finally see what I can do about settling in somewhere after you've started at Hogwarts. That means you need a familiar - preferably an Owl. I'll be getting a Messenger Raven, myself, since they're the signature animal of the MacKinnon Family. I'd get you one, too, but they're expensive."

Manasa nodded, and followed happily as they first visited the magical optometrist.

The Muggle ones she'd seen over the years were usually a bit testy, and the frames tended to need readjustment quite a bit. She wished her morphing could have negated her poor vision, but that didn't seem to be in the cards. As it was, she braced herself for another uncomfortable experience with lots of different lenses to test that would cause headache after headache.

She was pleasantly surprised by Davis Eyewear and Magical Ocular Tools. The clerk was polite, and Mister Davis simply cast a handful of spells on her eyes that didn't feel painful at all. He then spent a few minutes tinkering about and let her design the frames herself. She went with simple gold wire-rims, though the back portions of the arms were made of a nice dark wood. The lenses could have been rectangular, half-moon, or more, but Manasa went with full circles to give her a more full range of vision. They added an Impervious Charm to prevent staining, scratching and water from blocking her vision, as well as magical adjustment to ensure they'd never come loose and adjust as she aged. All she'd have to do is visit again as her vision worsened and they could modify the prescription or provide new frames altogether. Mum even got her some prescription goggles for potion making, which would be much better than wearing both glasses and goggles.

As they left, her eyes still hurt a bit as they adjusted to the new glasses, but considering how pleasant the visit itself had been, she didn't mind at all. She actually had a bit of a spring to her step, and Mum chuckled as Manasa swung the hand she held.

"I guess it was nice to have such a good experience, huh?" Mum asked with a grin.

Manasa nodded happily, "Yeah! I didn't know it could be so nice." She frowned as she slowed to a normal pace, discomfort rising. "I… I know Muggles aren't all bad… but why do so many just… treat us badly?"

Mum sighed as she wrapped an arm around Manasa's shoulder. "I wish I could explain it, sweetie. Even when it was explained to me, it didn't make sense. At least they don't doubt you're mine…"

Manasa rested her head against her Mum as they kept walking, "They'd better not. I am."

Mum smiled and squeezed her shoulder before they entered Eyelop's. Mum ushered her off to the Owls while she went to talk to the clerk. "Find one that likes you," she told Manasa as the young girl cautiously stepped into the room full of owls.

They all hooted and looked at her, tilting their heads and ruffling their feathers. There were a number of colors and breeds, but one caught her eye right away. A snowy white owl whose tag attached to its foot denoted it as a girl.

She held up her right forearm and the snowy white owl flew over to it. She hooted softly and tilted her head at Manasa before seeming to nod sagely. Manasa couldn't help but giggle. "I guess you made it an easy choice," she teased before gently raising her other hand. "May I pet you?"

The owl nodded again, so Manasa reached up and gently stroked the owl's head before beginning to gently scratch it. The owl hooted happily, causing Manasa to grin.

"Oh! S-sorry, I didn't see you…" A voice mumbled behind her. Manasa turned slowly due to the owl on her arm and saw a boy in a wheelchair with black hair and light brown eyes.

"It's okay. It's nice to meet you. I'm Manasa. I was just getting an owl…" She looked at the one on her arm and giggled a bit, "Though apparently she made the decision for me."

The boy grinned, "I'm Neville. Nice to meet you, too." He held up the hand that would lead her to use the one not holding the owl, so Manasa took it readily for a handshake.

"Are you getting an owl as well, Neville?" She asked politely as she released his hand.

Neville shook his head, "No. A toad. They're better familiars for Potions and Herbology. I've been wanting a bit of help with Potions - I'm awful at following directions."

Manasa nodded in understanding, "Hopefully the toad can help. I'm getting an owl so I can talk to my Mum. We're finally settling in the Isles."

Neville seemed a bit confused, "Settling in? Did… you not used to live here?"

Manasa wiggled her free hand a bit, "Sort-of. We traveled a lot. Belarus, Finland, France, Germany, Italy… we've been all over the continent - the world, really." She shrugged, "Even visited India and Egypt a lot. Though for special trips we went really far, like to the States or Japan - that was lovely." She grinned, remembering Mount Fuji.

Neville's eyes went wide, "Merlin… that's amazing!"

Manasa giggled, "Thanks! I can't wait to see what Hogwarts has in store for us. Should be fun. I think the toads are in the other direction, by the way."

Neville groaned, "See? Awful at directions."

Manasa snorted, "I thought you meant in terms of what to do?" She asked as she waited politely for him to turn his chair around and wheel ahead of her.

Neville shrugged before he kept going, rather deftly moving his way around the furnishings. "Locations, too. Grandma says it's not abnormal for our family - the Longbottoms are terrible with directions. Always have been."

Manasa mentally recalled what Mum told her of the fate of Alice and Frank Longbottom… they were probably Neville's parents. She made a mental note to not comment on them around him. They would probably be a sensitive topic.

When they got to the front counter, Manasa frowned. A tall, older woman with a strange hat - it had a stuffed vulture on it - in a very long green coat was looking at Mum with shock. It took Manasa only a couple moments to realize she had recognized Mum.

Manasa looked at the owl on her shoulder, and she hooted softly before hopping onto the counter and nodding to her. Manasa immediately headed over to Mum, wrapping an arm around her middle worriedly.

"Wh– oh, Mana," Mum said with some surprise, gently placing a hand on her head.

"Oh… I see… I didn't know you had a daughter," the older woman said softly, her voice quite thick with emotion.

"Ah, Gran," Neville cut in, not seeming to notice the tension. "Sorry. I went the wrong way. This is Manasa - she's really nice. Pointed me to the toads. I'll be right back."

Neville's Gran looked at him with a bit of surprise before nodding sharply. She looked back at Mum and sighed, "I'm sorry you've felt you needed to hide for so long."

Mum shrugged, but Manasa could feel the tension in her Mum's back. "Things happen, Augusta. Death Eaters are still loose. Pretty sure someone's been following us, too. But once Mana goes to Hogwarts… well, everything will become clear."

Augusta's eyes narrowed as she looked between Mum and Manasa for a moment. She seemed to be searching for something. Manasa felt a shudder run down her spine as the woman's eyes widened, before she schooled her expression. "I see. Well, my grandson needs a toad. So I'll be helping him with that. Take care… you as well, Miss Manasa."

Manasa nodded her head shakily as Augusta vanished behind some shelves of animal products. Mum gently squeezed her shoulder.

"It's alright… come on. I see you picked out an owl. Ahh… she's a pretty one." Mum gently held out her hand as they approached the counter, and the owl looked at it thoughtfully before she nodded and let Mum pet her. "Have you decided on a name?"

Manasa nodded, "Yes. Hedwig - after Morgana's own familiar."

Mum chuckled at that, "You always did like the story of the Round Table. Alright then, let's pay for her and take her home. I think we need the rest after today."

Manasa hummed in agreement while Mum pulled out her purse.

Trains, Friends and Thoughts

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

September 1st, 1991

Manasa was dressed her best for the train ride. Well, her best but also her comfiest. The day was cool, so she'd put on some warm stockings under a black skirt, with her favorite gray trainers, and a white blouse under her least-worn blue jumper - not one of the Weasley ones. She'd also put her curls into a simple plait. Her wands were each hidden up a sleeve, attached to magical holsters that would release the wand if she simply flexed her fingers. It had taken a number of tries to perfect catching the wand, but she'd gotten it down finally.

Mum could have easily Apparated them to Hogsmeade and waited with Manasa, but she felt the train ride would be safe enough. So instead she'd invested in the scarf Manasa was now wearing - a woven magical item, filled with enchantments and wardings. Simultaneously, a reusable Portkey that would take her to the hole-in-the-wall they had used in Helsinki. Just in case - apparently it would punch through Anti-Portkey wards easily, as Mum herself had made it, and her Apparative abilities were nonpareil.

Before she went onto the train, Manasa gave her Mum one last hug. "I'll miss you… promise to write?"

Mum laughed softly as she returned the hug, "Of course, Mana. Every week. You can look forward to it. I expect replies, too."

Manasa squeezed her tighter, "Of course I will." She waited a moment longer, forcing herself not to cry. She'd promised she wouldn't - she was a big girl now. She could do this. "I love you."

"Love you, too, Mana." Mum pecked the top of her head and gave her one last tight squeeze. "Now go and enjoy the train ride. Don't worry - you'll be safe. I promise."

Manasa hummed and finally released the hug. She gave Mum the bravest smile she could before turning around, picking up Hedwig's cage, and heading onto the train. With her magically shrunken trunks in her skirt pockets, she didn't have to worry about anything but Hedwig's cage. Her owl hooted warmly and butted her head against the bars where Manasa's hand was. Manasa giggled, "Thanks, Hedwig. Come on, let's find somewhere cozy."

She gave Mum one final wave goodbye, and could have sworn she saw a few tears slide down Mum's face as she returned it before twisting and Disapparating.

Manasa took a shaky breath and properly boarded the train. They'd been early, so it was pretty quiet. She found a nice-enough compartment and settled in, placing Hedwig's cage on the cushioned seat and securing it with a wandless sticking charm. She didn't want her beloved new familiar to get shaken loose by any turns made by the train or potential rowdiness of other students that might join her.

She stretched a bit and sat down on the quite comfortable seat, pulling out her personal trunk and returning it to normal size just long enough to withdraw the book on Ancient Greek Runes before she shrunk the trunk back down and pocketed it again. Magic truly was amazingly convenient.

She raised her head when a gentle knock came at the door of the compartment. Standing there were two girls - one with blonde twintails and one with fiery red curls that were almost as curly as Manasa's own hair. She also noticed that while the blonde girl's gray eyes were focused on her, the redhead's were… not grey, but milky-white. She recalled a handful of Muggles she'd met who had similar eyes - they were blind, and could not see. She felt a bit sad that a magical girl had the same problem, but decided it would be unfair to treat her differently or with pity.

"Hello. Would it be alright if we joined you?" The blonde girl asked.

"Yeah, of course," Manasa readily replied. She closed her book after setting the marker, "Do you want a hand putting your trunks up? Or do they have lightweight charms?" She gestured to the trunks behind the girls.

The blonde smiled gratefully, "I'd appreciate it. We didn't get those - probably should have, but it was a bit busy in Diagon two weeks ago."

"Oh! I went on August first," Manasa replied conversationally as she helped the blonde girl lift the first trunk. They did the second as well, to which the redhead gave them her thanks before she cautiously sat down. Manasa frowned when she saw the girl didn't have a cane. She wondered if she should say something, but decided against it.

"How was it? Any Harry Potter hunters?" The blonde asked with a grin.

Manasa hid a grimace at her deadname, and instead replied with a question, "Harry Potter hunters? Were there evil wixen looking for him?"

The blonde looked a bit shocked, "I… no, I meant people looking for him. To see if he's… still alive."

Manasa's furrowed brow loosened as she realized what the girl meant, "No, not that I saw. But it was mostly just my Mum and I. We made it a sort of brief trip. Though, we went to a place in France for my wand." She flexed her left hand, and the Royal Poinciana wand shot out and she caught it deftly. The practice had paid off.

The blonde girl squeaked in surprise, "Oh! Sue! She has a wand holster, like you do!"

The redhead - Sue - turned her head so she was looking in Manasa's direction, her head tilted curiously, "You use a wand holster? Aren't they convenient? My Aunt got me one as well, though she added a hex that causes my hand to clench into a fist. That way I don't have to practice catching it."

Manasa's eyebrows shot up, "Really? That sounds brilliant. Mum was more focused on protective charms. She works as a part-time Auror, so she's always been really protective of me." She shrugged, before belatedly realizing she hadn't introduced herself. "I'm Manasa, by the way. Er, I'd rather leave my last name til' the Sorting. Mum… wants it to be private. There's…" She grimaced. How to explain that? "A lot to it."

The blonde girl shrugged, "I don't mind. It's not uncommon these days. A lot of kids don't share their last name because of family prejudices." She shook her head and scowled a bit, "Though that's because of the war against You-Know-Who. I'm Hannah, by the way."

Manasa smiled gratefully at Hannah, and then Sue chimed in. "Sue's short for Susan - I know Han used my nickname earlier. I understand your worries, Manasa - it isn't uncommon at all. My Aunt actually tried to push for the Ministry to allow Hogwarts to only refer to students by their first name. The Wizengamot shot it down, though."

That surprised Manasa, and she filed it under something to remember for later. "So, did you both get your wands at Ollivander's?"

The other girls both nodded, and Hannah withdrew her own wand - unlike Susan's dark brown wand, hers was a lighter color. "Cedar and dragon heartstring. Not a bad combination, according to Ollivander - guess it means strength and virtue," Hannah mused before rolling her eyes to show what a crock she thought it was. Inwardly, Manasa recalled how Mrs. Perks once said cedar was a pain to work with because of how headstrong it was. Maybe Ollivander knew his wands after all.

Susan twisted hers idly, though Manasa knew she probably couldn't see it - or if she could, it was likely quite blurry. "Mine's spruce and phoenix feather. Good for transfiguration, and also potions. Though you don't use a wand for that…"

Manasa frowned, "Yes, you do. Usually just for Stasis and the like for long-term potions or if you're too busy to focus on brewing for the whole period. But there's heating charms, cooling charms, stirring…" She shrugged, "Mum's multitalented, so she found a lot of uses for a wand in Potion-Making."

Hannah gave a small sound of surprise, "Huh… imagine that…"

Susan tilted her head thoughtfully, "Your wand is from France, right? Do you speak French, then?"

"Yeah, I do," Manasa replied as she twirled her wand once. "Mum considered Beauxbatons, but she went to Hogwarts, and wanted the same for me. My wand's royal poinciana and has a Horned Serpent jewel core." She smiled at the warm feeling she always felt when holding the wand.

Hannah's eyes widened as her eyebrows shot up, "Wow… aren't Horned Serpents extinct?"

"Pretty sure they are," Susan murmured, her own expression similarly shocked. "And royal poinciana… that's rare in Europe, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Manasa confirmed as she tucked her wand away. "But the wandmaker I went to travels a lot. So did Mum and I. We have a place in Caithness, now, but we've been all over." She withdrew a small folded up map from her pocket and unfolded it. "Sorry, Susan, are you able to see this at all?"

Susan grimaced, "No, sorry. I can sort of tell when there's light, but that's it. Thank you for asking, though. I heard something like parchment unfold. What is it?"

"A map. I put a mark on every country we visited. Mum only let me make it a few days ago, when we finally settled. There's the Isles, France, Germany, Egypt…"

She started telling the girls about the many countries they'd visited. From Egypt to India and Japan when it came to straying further away from the Isles and the Continent, and to the various countries within the Continent itself. Both girls had been astonished to find out how far Mum could Apparate, and said she was probably the most talented witch there was with spatial magic. Manasa couldn't deny that Mum was great at Apparition, Transfiguration and the like. They'd even been able to Apparate to Canada and the States more often in the last two years. Traveling across the United States had been interesting, as it was all one massive country with tons and tons of different muggle and wixen cultures. Not to mention the varying foods - she doubted she'd ever forget any of the meals she'd had, and was grateful for the massive amount of cookbooks they'd collected over the years. Some were even in her trunk.

She felt a bit embarrassed talking about herself so much, and was thankfully saved by saying much more when someone knocked on the compartment door maybe a few moments before the train was scheduled to leave. She was pleased to recognize the boy.

"Hey, Ron. Want to join us?" She asked politely. He'd never hung out with her much during the sparse visits she and Mum made to the Weasleys, but he was polite.

He gave her a weak smile, "Yeah, if that's alright. Had a bit of trouble getting ready - ran out of Floo Powder, and too many of us to Apparate. Mum ended up having us take Dad's car." He hauled his trunk up and stowed it on his own, likely the strength he'd built up on the Weasley Farm. "'Scuse me," he said politely to Hannah before sitting next to her and across from Manasa. "I'm Ron - Ron Weasley. Mana's a friend. She and her Mum visited my family farm a few times ever since I was a toddler."

Hannah gave Manasa a smirk, "'Mana', huh?" Manasa rolled her eyes while Hannah giggled. "I'm Hannah. Keeping my last name a secret since Mana's doing the same."

Susan giggled as well, "I'm Susan. I think my Aunt and your Dad both work at the Ministry, Ron."

Ron seemed a bit surprised, "Really? Wicked." He pulled Scabbers out of his pocket, frowning at the animal, "Ugh. He's not doing well…"

Manasa scrunched her face up at the rat, "I thought Priscilla gave him to the Twins?"

Ron shook his head, "Tried to. He ended up in a cage most of the time, at home - not Hogwarts. I pitied him, so here he is." Ron frowned at the rat again, "Though if we both end up Gryffindor, let me know if he bothers you again."

Manasa shuddered as she recalled a night where she'd found Scabbers crawling up her leg. Her shriek had been bad enough that everyone thought an Evil Wizard was attacking. She really hated rats.

"As long as he doesn't climb my legs again, I guess it's fine," Manasa replied, though to be safe she opened Hedwig's cage and the snowy white owl clambered onto her forearm with a hoot. Her familiar glared at the rat, and Scabbers seemed to shudder.

Ron snorted, "Ruddy coward he is. Any trained familiar won't attack without an order. I still think Charlie was mad for taking him in without having him trained. He freaks out whenever Priscilla's Kneazle is in the room. We're thinking of sending Scabbers off to Romania, 'cuz nobody wants to send her Kneazle away - cat's dead useful."

"That's smart - though I'm sorry for Scabbers," Susan commented genuinely. "But Kneazles can detect lies and enemies. Their shed whiskers are used in Sneakoscopes. I believe the most magical rats have going for them is that they can live… around a decade? Pretty sure they're immune to potions, too."

"They are," Hannah agreed, eyeing Scabbers warily. "Though rats that try to get up a girl's skirt don't sound pleasant to me."

Ron snorted as he put Scabbers to the side, between him and the train wall, "You're telling me. Pretty sure Mana's Mum was ready to turn Scabbers into mince if Charlie hadn't been there to beg her not to. Still, he was stuck in his cage for weeks because of that."

Manasa felt a bit of guilty pleasure at Scabbers' misfortune for his behavior, but assuaged herself that he'd gotten off well. If Mum had been able to, she would have likely left nothing but a smoking crater wherever Scabbers had been. The rat owed his life to Charlie. How funny.

As she looked outside, the fields rolling while the train chugged on, she found it odd. The blurring fields were reminiscent of the blur of color she saw whenever Mum Apparated. Though it was significantly more pleasant to be on a train than it had been to Apparate with Mum - at least, up until Mum found out how to smooth the process out. As much as Manasa had gained a tolerance by the time she was five, that hadn't made it more pleasant.

"Hm… do all students have to board the train at King's Cross?" Manasa asked idly, realizing that it would be utterly ridiculous for someone living in Scotland to make the trip to King's Cross just to ride the train all the way back.

Hannah shook her head, "No. There's… five stops, I think? Salome Station will be next. That's where a lot of the… ah, 'Pureblood' families tend to join up."

Susan scowled at that word, "I've always hated that term. 'Pure', 'Half'... 'Mud'. Why people act like blood is important for magic, I'll never know."

Manasa hummed thoughtfully, "I've… never really bothered differentiating people. Muggle communities judged Mum and I for being different skin colors, and Wixen communities have judged us because we don't divulge our blood status - they assume we're a First-Gen witch and a kid she had with a Muggle." She shrugged her shoulders and stroked Hedwig's feathers absently, "What point is there in judging and separating people? All it does is hurt."

That left the compartment quiet for a little while, which made Manasa feel guilty for dampening the mood. Ron of course knew the kind of discrimination she'd faced - they'd both listened to her Mum vent about it to his Mum. However Ron was also a terrible conversationalist, so he didn't tend to be helpful with changing topics.

Instead, she decided to resume reading her book. Manasa MacKinnon wasn't one to apologize for her brutal honesty.

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

After an hour or so in which the other girls talked about Hogwarts and Ron tried - and failed - to engage Manasa in a conversation about Quidditch (aka the most insane sport on the planet), the train made its next stop at Salome Station.

Manasa looked up from her book thoughtfully, gazing out the window to see if she'd recognize anyone. To her surprise, she did. "Oh, it's Draco," she mused thoughtfully as she caught the tell-tale platinum blond hair. "He looks just as nervous as anyone else, like that…"

"Draco… Malfoy?" Susan asked, sounding a bit choked.

Manasa pursed her lips, "Yeah. Son of a Death Eater, I know. Met him when I was getting my robes. He was…" She thought about how best to describe his behavior. "A bit full of himself."

Ron followed her gaze and glared at the blonde head before it boarded the train, "A right git, he is. His Dad throws money around for–"

The compartment door opened to reveal none other than Malfoy, "Manasa. Thought I saw you." He looked around the compartment, gaze turning sour when he saw Ron, Hannah and Susan. Manasa's eyes narrowed. What was he thinking?

"Yes, I saw you as well, Draco," she replied coolly, closing her book back up. "If you'd like to join us, you're welcome to. Susan? Would you be able to slide a bit to your right?"

Susan seemed a bit surprised, but after a short pause she obliged. Draco was similarly hesitant, but hauled his trunk up and sat somewhat gingerly in the opened seat after he closed the compartment door. Manasa supposed he hadn't expected to be invited in.

"I'm Draco Malfoy," he greeted the others with a bit of a haughty tone. Manasa frowned at it, but he continued. "Met Manasa at Twilfitt and Tattings." He glanced at Ron, and seemed to have to fight off a sneer. "A Weasley, I take it?"

Ron glared back, "Yeah, and?"

Manasa decided to put her foot down, "And I know both of you boys. So behave yourselves or I'm kicking you both out of the compartment. Us girls were here first, and we don't want any squabbling. Capisce?"

Ron looked chagrined and Draco a bit stymied, while Hannah shot her a grateful look and she felt Susan gently - if a bit clumsily - tug at her sleeve with a small smile. She returned the physical gesture, and Susan's smile grew a bit more.

"Draco and I spoke about Hogwarts Houses when we last met. I'm still not sure which I'm bound for…" Manasa mused, hoping the topic could lighten the tense mood.

Draco straightened, "I'll be Slytherin, of course. Guess you'll be… Gryffindor, Weasley?" His tone was strained, but he came off as more polite than Manasa suspected he planned to. Well, at least he was trying.

Ron eyed him warily, "Yeah… s'pose I will, though I wouldn't mind Hufflepuff… hard work ain't so bad. Got a lot of that on the Farm." Manasa shot him a grateful smile, to which he gave a small shrug.

Hannah hummed, "Hufflepuff sounds nice, though I wouldn't mind Gryffindor. Dad seems to think I'm bound for it…"

Susan snorted and Hannah blushed. "I can't imagine why, Han. Might be because you threatened that Muggle boy with a knife when he made fun of my eyes?" She sounded a bit sardonic, but Manasa heard the gratitude in her tone.

"Go Hannah," she cheered cheekily, grinning broadly. Susan gave a light, surprisingly well-aimed swat to her thigh and Hannah grinned. "What? I'd have done the same. Might have even screamed and made my hair go wild."

Susan giggled, "Oh, Merlin. I think I'll stick with my hopes for Hufflepuff. I've already got loads of hard work ahead of me - might as well prepare myself." She shook her head, and Manasa fought the urge to make her curls resemble Susan's. They looked beautiful in the late-morning light when she shook them.

Draco seemed to be thinking deeply as the train started to move, and after a bit, he spoke, "Susan… How will you manage to do spells? Or read books?"

Susan seemed a bit surprised at his question, but replied politely, "Well, there's a magical tool. I place one part in my ear, and place the other on the page - it starts to read any detected text on the surface to me, starting from where I place it. I just have to put it in the top-left corner and it reads fine. Walking is a bit hard, unfortunately, but Hannah was able to guide me and hopefully my Housemates will help. Spells… well, wand motions can be described and guided, can't they?"

Draco seemed a bit surprised as he simply nodded, a frown of deep thought crossing his features.

Manasa had a more pressing concern. "So you don't have a cane?"

All of them looked at her - or her direction - with confusion. Susan spoke up first, "A… a cane? Why would I need that?"

Draco frowned, "Father uses one, though it's just because his leg bothers him."

Manasa shook her head, "Visually-impaired Non-magicals use them. Longer ones with rubber balls at the end. They sweep them in front of them, and it helps them detect stuff like steps and walls and other objects. Usually people show good manners and stay out of the way so they don't get bumped and distract the visually-impaired person."

Draco seemed a bit stunned, "You… and that works?" He asked incredulously.

Manasa nodded, "I'd like to think that a magical version could have some useful additions - maybe one could be made of magic wood so it could double as a broom? Though with flight being so visual, you'd need a lot of added enchantments." She shrugged, "Still. Since you don't have one, I can probably help you make one, Susan. I'd rather you have it. I'll try and help you learn how to use it, too."

Susan seemed a bit stunned, before she suddenly threw her arms around Manasa. "Thank you! Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I'd love that! Thank you! That's the nicest thing anyone's offered me since this happened!" She sounded emotional and hiccuped, hugging Manasa tightly and giggling. Manasa returned it without reservation.

"Of course. Besides, I put in so much work, I may as well become a Hufflepuff, too. I'd say you'll need the backup. Hannah seems a bit dangerous," she teased, grinning at Hannah from within Susan's thick red curls.

Hannah gave her a withering look, "You chase one kid with a knife, all of a sudden you can't be trusted…" She could tell Hannah's heart wasn't in it, though. There were tears pricking at her eyes - she was likely grateful for Manasa being so willing to help Susan out.

After a moment, Susan pulled away, though she kept a hand on Manasa's sleeve. She didn't mind or pull away, though she smirked at Hedwig, who'd had to move to Hannah's lap to avoid being bowled over by Susan. The owl hooted indignantly and fluttered back to Manasa's lap, to which she was treated with apologies, pets, and one of the treats Manasa kept in a small pouch attached to her familiar's cage.

The next couple hours were surprisingly pleasant. Draco seemed to be evaluating everyone, and Manasa noticed he was fully respectful to herself, Susan and Hannah, and even begrudgingly cordial with Ron. Ron actually engaged him in a heated yet not-argumentative conversation about Quidditch - Ron supported the Chudley Cannons, but Draco supported the Bulgarian National team.

Manasa tilted her head thoughtfully, "Hmm… I like Japan's International Team." Everyone's head swiveled to look at her in surprise, and she shrugged. "Mum and I got to go to the last two World Cups. The first I was only six for, and that was France v Belarus, in Italy. The second was Korea vs Canada, in Japan. We rooted for the French and Canadian teams, since we have family friends who are originally Canadian but emigrated to France."

Malfoy seemed impressed, "Wow… my family couldn't ever, and we're… well, rich. Filthy rich." He seemed proud and embarrassed.

Manasa shrugged, "We just Apparated. Mum couldn't get as far in '86 as she could in '90, but she was able to get to Italy from Finland in just two quick jumps. Japan took a bit longer - we traveled from Greenland. It took… I'd say five minutes to get there?"

Malfoy's jaw was practically on the floor, and the others seemed similarly shocked.

Ron spluttered for a moment, "I… Merlin. I knew your Mum was bleedin' powerful, but… Merlin." He was looking at Manasa with an expression approaching awe.

Hannah seemed like she was wrapping her head around that, "How… How many jumps did it take?"

"I think it was three jumps. Mum can get really far with her Apparition, honestly." She grinned at everyone's much-more bug-eyed expressions.

"Is your Mum Morgana or something?" Susan asked incredulously.

Manasa chuckled, "No. She prefers Marley, though when the Sorting happens you'll hear my full name." She inwardly winced, and decided to give them some forewarning. "But… so you know, my name is not going to… match, so to speak."

They all seemed very understanding. Draco was the one to speak up, "Is it a boy's name?" He sounded oddly polite. She had expected more prejudice. Manasa merely nodded, and Draco gave her a smile that could have been mistaken for a sneer. "Don't worry about that. Happens all the time in the magical world."

Ron nodded, "You know about Priscilla and Charlie. And, well, I can't have not known about you. You're fine."

Hannah nodded as well, "Couldn't be more of a girl if you tried, Mana. Don't worry. Honestly, thanks for giving us a heads up at least - this should be interesting."

Manasa snorted, "You don't know the half of it. I'm expecting a mild riot at least."

That earned some chuckles, but Susan gently tugged her sleeve again. Manasa smiled weakly and returned the gesture, thankful for her new friend's kindness.

The rest of the ride was peaceful. Nobody else seemed interested in joining them, though when the Trolley came by Manasa politely refused while her friends each got something - even Ron got a Chocolate Frog. Though he lamented that the card was his sixth copy of Dumbledore while Draco expertly caught the jumping frog and handed it to Ron, who managed a somewhat stilted thanks.

There was also a girl who stopped by to ask about a toad. She was incredibly nice, and like Manasa and Susan had thick curls - though hers were brown, and her skin more matched Manasa's. They all denied seeing a toad, to which the girl groaned. She managed a polite introduction that everyone returned, and then she reminded them it was near-time for them to put on their uniforms before she left. Manasa noted with a smirk that the girl was in her uniform already. She seemed quite the prepared one - maybe she'd be a Hufflepuff?

Regardless, the group changed - boys first, followed by girls. Manasa averted her eyes, but was grateful that Hannah didn't make any comments. She would've included Susan in her gratitude, but the girl said she couldn't tell anyways. So… she just focused on changing as swiftly as she could.

Soon, they saw the castle in the distance, and everyone seemed antsy. Their time at Hogwarts was about to begin.

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

Names, Revelations and Houses

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

September 1st, 1991

"Abbott, Hannah!" Professor McGonagall called out sharply. Hannah gave Manasa a brave smile and lightly traded sleeve-tugs with Susan before she headed up and sat down on the stool before the Professor lowered the Sorting Hat over her eyes.

Manasa watched with interest as the Hat seemed to move ever so slightly for a few moments before a loud man's voice cried out, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Hannah beamed as McGonagall took the Hat off, and Manasa saw her tie go from black to red-and-gold. Her new friend skipped over to the Gryffindor Table as her new Housemates cheered.

The very next name called was, "Bones, Susan."

Susan seemed a bit panicked, so Manasa gently put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll help you up," she whispered, and Susan gave a sound of appreciation. They walked up together, Manasa carefully guiding Susan, and while there were some whispers, McGonagall didn't make a complaint and merely nodded graciously.

Manasa helped Susan sit down, "I'll just guide her to her table and get back to the crowd, Ma'am."

McGonagall nodded again, "Of course, Miss…?"

Manasa pursed her lips, "It's Susan's moment. You'll see my name soon." She didn't want to take focus away from Susan. She deserved to have her moment.

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, but she didn't comment and lowered the hat over Susan's head. Her redheaded friend squeezed her hand tightly, which Manasa returned gently and rubbed circles in Susan's hand to reassure her. The Hat spent about two minutes deliberating, and Manasa felt Susan's hand tighten at a couple intervals.

Eventually, she winced at the proximity to the bellowed, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

McGonagall took the Hat while Manasa helped Susan to her feet. She gave Manasa's hand a grateful squeeze as they slowly descended the steps. "Thanks, Mana," she murmured as Manasa helped her to an empty seat at the Hufflepuff table.

Manasa gently patted her back, "Of course. What are friends for?"

Susan giggled, and Manasa saw a girl with a small bronze badge on her chest give her a nod as she moved to sit next to Susan. "Good work. You'd be a good fit for Hufflepuff," the badge-wearing girl remarked.

Manasa grinned, "We'll have to see, won't we?" She murmured as she turned to return to the throng of fellow Unsorted students. McGonagall gave her a searching look before resuming the Sorting.

Students went to all Houses, then. Such as Chime Boot and Mandy Brocklehurst to Ravenclaw, Vincent Crabbe and Tracey Davis to Slytherin, Medina Bellavista and Justin Finch-Fletchley to Hufflepuff or Lavender Brown and Seamus Finnegan to Gryffindor.

Manasa recognized 'Granger, Hermione' as the girl who'd interrupted their train ride asking about a toad. She seemed quite pretty now that Manasa could focus on her appearance - her curls were gorgeous. Manasa couldn't wait to try and copy them. They were such a beautiful chestnut color. Though she felt similarly to the long golden-white locks of another girl in the Unsorted group, and of course Susan's own fiery red curls. Hair was a lot of fun to try out.

Hermione had the longest Sort yet. After what had to have been at least four and a half minutes, the Hat finally declared her a "RAVENCLAW!" Hermione seemed pleased as McGonagall took the Hat back and the girl rushed to join her new House.

Pleasantly for Manasa, she found out the white-blonde haired girl was 'Greengrass, Daphne' and sorted into Slytherin. She gave Draco a small nudge. "If you end up there, introduce me. She's pretty," she whispered.

Draco seemed a bit surprised, "You into girls? Fine if you are, but we're rather young to look into courting…"

Manasa rolled her eyes but waited as 'Halfdew, Thalia' also became a Slytherin. "I dunno if I am yet. I just like meeting people who look pretty," Manasa replied honestly. Draco seemed a bit confused, but shrugged as though he couldn't find a reason to fault the statement. Of course, Manasa liked meeting anyone in general - but pretty people often had features that took more fine focus to replicate, as they often looked gentler and required a more refined focus.

Soon, it was time. "Malfoy, Draco," McGonagall called out, and he gave Manasa a grin before heading up and sitting on the chair. McGonagall set the Hat on his head, but unlike how Manasa had expected he'd be an immediate 'Slytherin' just as it has taken merely a second to declare Lavender Brown a Gryffindor, the Hat sat there for a short while. Not as long as Susan's, at least.

A minute later, it cried out, "RAVENCLAW!"

Draco seemed a bit surprised, but managed a confident enough smile as McGonagall claimed the Hat and he joined his new House. Manasa shot him a thumbs up, and he nodded in return.

It wasn't long before another name caused her head to snap up.

"Meadows, Dorcas," McGonagall called out. Her voice sounded a tiny bit strangled. Manasa watched as her breath caught in her throat while a rather feminine-looking kid in a boy's uniform strode up. She gave the tiniest whimper when he sat down and she saw his face. He looked so much like the pictures Mum had shown her of her late best friend by the same exact name. This must be her son, based on what she caught of the whispers.

Manasa didn't care. All she knew was that Mum needed to know about this immediately. She'd send a letter as soon as possible. Dorcas Meadows had a son. She needed to befriend him. No arguments. She owed it to Mum, and to Dorcas' Mum.

She barely registered it as Dorcas was named for 'Hufflepuff' and watched with a lingering gaze, her eyes teary as he sat next to Susan while the badge-wearing girl gave a bit of room. She wanted to be a Hufflepuff. Desperately. Not only was a new friend there, but so was someone she wanted to befriend.

She forced herself to focus on the Sorting, forcibly drying her eyes. She was coming up soon, and her anxiety was beginning to build. She'd been fine until Dorcas appeared, and now she was shaken. She barely registered 'Nott, Theodore' becoming a Slytherin, and used some breathing techniques while 'Patil, Padma' and then 'Patil, Parvati' were sent to separate Houses. Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.

Ron gave her a supportive look that she weakly returned, and then it happened. The moment she'd been dreading.

"P-Potter, Harry," McGonagall called out, briefly stumbling over the name. Manasa felt her stomach twist and her heart skip a beat.

Now or never.

There was a lot of whispering and furtive glances, but everyone went quiet as Manasa stepped forwards. One, two, three, four steps. She stood maybe three more away from the Professor, and a tiny shudder ran through her before she took another.

"Miss… Potter?" McGonagall asked softly, confusion visible on her face.

Manasa swallowed, "Not anymore. I'm Manasa, now. Manasa MacKinnon."

The entire Hall went dead silent, until someone at the Gryffindor table shot up and shouted, "The MacKinnons are all dead!"

Manasa forced herself to hold her head high, "No, we are not! My mother - Marlene MacKinnon - rescued me eight years ago. She's raised me as her own ever since. So it's Manasa MacKinnon, now. Adopted and all." She sounded a mighty bit braver than she actually felt, and glared until the black-haired Gryffindor sat down warily.

Someone at Slytherin shot up, still unconvinced, "Your hair and eyes don't match! You don't have the scar, you're an imposter!"

Manasa bristled, "Am I?" She challenged before drawing her wand and dispelling the glamour on the scar in one fluid motion. Gasps ran through the Hall as she then morphed her hair black and wavy and her eyes emerald green. "Or do Metamorphmagi just make themselves look like their adoptive parents?" She growled before flashing them back to normal. Her head felt much more comfortable with the golden ringlets, and she much preferred the ice-blue eyes she'd taken from her Mum.

She turned back to Professor McGonagall, who looked as if she'd seen a ghost. Manasa managed to look a little reticent - but only a little. "Sorry for all the… pomp, Professor. I promise I wish it could have been avoided, but Mum wanted me to guard my secrets for as long as I could."

Professor McGonagall shook herself, and managed a pseudo-confident smile, "Not at all, Miss MacKinnon. Please do sit so we can get you on your way, shall we?"

Manasa shot her a grateful smile and sat, keeping her gaze even as she looked out at the Hall. Everyone was gazing at her in alarm - everyone but Susan, who… had a thoughtful expression, but hadn't turned her face towards Manasa. She didn't know if that was good or bad. She had just enough time to register Hannah's broad grin and Draco shaking his head in disbelief before the Hat lowered over her eyes.

'Oh my. What do we have here? Quite the interesting one. I believe I felt you earlier.'

Manasa was a bit stunned at the voice, but replied. 'Yes, my new friend Susan needed support because of her visual impairment. I was just helping her, though if possible I'd certainly like to join her in Hufflepuff. Plus there's Dorcas Meadows - he's… the son of my Mum's dead best friend.'

The Hat made a sympathetic sound in her mind, 'I can certainly understand that, but allow me to take a look in your mind first. You've got a lot here, Miss MacKinnon. You certainly carry an immense deal of bravery and courage. Your transition and rather… vigorous declarations are proof enough of that. You could be wonderful in Gryffindor.'

Manasa frowned at the thought, 'My birth parents were there… Hannah is, too. It might not be a bad idea, but the feud with Slytherin sounds worrisome. Plus, they'd focus on my fame and popularity to prop me up as a heroine. I didn't even do anything. Mum told me how it was all Lily Potter who saved me.'

The Hat chuckled at her words, 'A sound argument. Funny you mention Slytherin. You'd make a prodigy of yourself there. Your transformative abilities would really let you make use of that cunning, and clearly you're talented at planning ahead and have strong desires to succeed. Want to be an Enchantress, eh? Not a bad choice. You'd do marvelously in Slytherin.'

Manasa grimaced, 'Yes, but then I'm just on the other end of the feud. Worse, I'd be against Hannah. I'd much rather have her as a close friend. Not to mention Ron will probably be Gryffindor, too, and he's already tense around me.'

The Hat hemmed and hawed a bit, 'Well, I suppose you've got a point. You're quite clever with your arguments. What of Ravenclaw? You've got a wonderfully sharp mind - witty and clever, not to mention the creativity you have in spades. Quintessential traits, really. You took an interest in the Granger girl, didn't you? She would make a strong ally.'

Manasa considered it for several moments. 'Ravenclaw… wouldn't be bad, you're not wrong. However, nobody I met on the train is there, so I don't know anything about them. I'll admit I like Hermione Granger's appearance, and the brainy bunch would be good for an academic challenge, but this is a school. There's more than just education to be had.'

The Hat chuckled some. 'That argument is so sound, I feel it pushes you ever more towards Ravenclaw and Slytherin.'

'And the last House? What of Hufflepuff?' She shot back, putting a bit of a teasing challenge in her tone. The Hat was quite amusing to talk to.

'Hah! What of Hufflepuff indeed? You know, it isn't just accepting those who do not fit. Loyalty and effort - genuine effort. Of course, clearly you've got those to spare. I can see how earnestly you work towards your goals, and the fondness you have for your new friend, Miss Bones. Then there's the other factor to consider regarding both that girl and Mister Meadows. You wish to stand up to injustice, to aid those who have suffered - and also to reinforce a bond that was ironclad, in a generation anew. That requires qualities of all the Houses.'

Manasa grinned as she recalled her own words to Draco, all the way back in Diagon. 'And wouldn't that be ideal? Having the quality of every House?'

The Hat guffawed in her mind, 'Too true! The Founders always have liked children such as yourself the most. I can see all the traveling you've done with your Mother has done a lot to open your mind.' Manasa felt her chest swell with euphoria at hearing it call Marlene her Mum - she was, of course, but hearing it was always pleasant. 'Not to mention… oh? Two wands, eh? Quite the connection they have. Not just to you, but to each other. Quite a great deal of power - and potential. My word, quite a great deal indeed…'

The Hat trailed off, so Manasa took point and brought it back to reality. 'So, my House? You've been on my head for a really long time now. I can't even tell, and usually my internal clock's dead-on.'

The Hat made a slight sound of surprise, 'Oh my! That I have! It's been nearly fifteen minutes! So much to sort through, it can lead a Hat to lose track of time. Let us see… well, I suppose there's nothing for it then. Do you still want to go to Hufflepuff? Or elsewhere?'

Manasa was shocked, 'You're letting me pick?' Mum hadn't mentioned that as a possibility. The idea of picking her House was so… unbelievably foreign to her. She'd assumed she'd be Sorted against her will.

The Hat seemed to sound indignant, 'More like I'm asking where you'd like to go. There's a difference. You suit them all equally enough to be worthy of any House. So consider this me letting you choose the path you take.'

Manasa thought about it. Her initial response would have been 'Hufflepuff', but… its arguments for each House made sense. It wasn't wrong - she did suit all of them. And then there were the words she'd said and that it'd echoed - the value of having all the good House traits. It'd said it was letting her 'choose the path she takes', but… it never said anything about there only being four paths.

'Do I have to pick?' She asked cautiously as the thought bubbled in her mind. 'The schedule and such could be fussy to work out, but… do I?'

The Hat sounded amused, 'Do you? Well, I wonder… I would say you should, if only because you don't seem to like standing out.'

Manasa grimaced, 'You know me far too well.'

'Yes, well, I am in your head, now aren't I?'

'Then I guess you know where I want to go, if I have to make a decision, don't you?'

'That I do.'

"HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hat finally roared, and Manasa winced as it was finally lifted above her head. She felt a bit mentally exhausted. She managed to get to her feet as the yellow-and-black clad students cheered and roared, and even the other Houses all had students offering their applause.

Manasa joined her new Housemates, sitting next to Susan. She gave the girl a light tug on her sleeve, and the redhead returned it with a smile. "You weren't kidding. 'A lot to it' indeed," Susan murmured.

Manasa giggled, though she was still feeling like a live wire with her nerves, "Always been like this for me. No more secrets for now, at least."

The other students looked like they had questions they wanted to ask, but held their tongues for now. Maybe the Hufflepuffs were just polite enough to wait. Regardless, she noticed an oddly piercing gaze from the old man at the center of the staff table, as well as from a nearby man with straight black hair. Though while the former was thoughtful, the latter was more… fierce.

The rest of the students were sorted as the Hall settled down from the loud whispers, and most went without issue. She made sure to especially applaud the last two Hufflepuffs to join them - Zacharias Smith and Leanne Valiance. Though after Leanne, it was time for Ron.

The Hat sat on him for several moments, and Manasa somehow had a feeling she knew what it was deliberating over. His courage… and his desire to prove himself. Her eyes went wide as she realized what was about to happen.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The Hall was quiet for a moment as McGonagall took the Hat off Ron's head. The Professor looked a tad surprised, but Ron looked floored as he stood. He stumbled and slowly joined the Slytherin table, pale. Manasa frowned at the lack of applause, and chose to start it. There was a bit of hesitance, but scattered applause broke out through the Hall. She tried to catch Ron's eye, but he seemed struck mute. When she looked at the Gryffindor Table, she was relieved that the Twins seemed more concerned and Priscilla seemed extremely worried for her little brother.

The last student, Blaise Zabini, was also sorted into Slytherin. That done, the gentleman with the long white beard and oddly-colored robes stood.

"Well, we have had quite the eventful Sorting indeed. For now, however, I believe I shall leave you with a few words. Nitwit, Blubber, Oddment, Tweak!" The man waved his hands, and food filled all the tables. Manasa couldn't help but gape - that was a shock. Was he alerting the House Elves with the words, or the motions? That was subtle, if it was.

Immediately she was bombarded with questions, and she pursed her lips before holding a hand up. They quieted with a few flushing. "I understand there are questions, but… maybe one at a time?" She managed gently, raising a thin, golden eyebrow. The Hufflepuffs exchanged some embarrassed grins and nods. "Susan gets first crack," she announced with a grin, gently bumping her friend with an elbow.

Susan grinned, even though she'd been one of the ones not to ask a question. The redheaded tugged her sleeve playfully after a brief near-fumble, "Your Mum's really Marlene MacKinnon?"

Manasa nodded, "We did a ritual and everything. I guess technically I'm the MacKinnon Heiress, too, but Mum just wanted us to survive the last eight years."

An older boy that looked fairly handsome leaned forwards, thoughtful. "Are you a Metamorphmagus? Or were those just glamours?"

Manasa smirked, and with a bit of focus her hair changed to be just as dark red as Susan's. She then made her skin just as pale and made some adjustments to her face until a few moments later, a near-identical twin was sitting next to Susan Bones, the only visible difference being the icy-blue eyes with distinct pupils. "That answer your question?" She asked in a voice that sounded exactly like Susan's. The girl did a double take as she looked in Manasa's direction.

"I– Manasa? Did you just…" She frowned, "Did you just change your voice or–"

"I look exactly like you, yeah," Manasa confirmed.

Susan's eyebrows soared, "Woah… that's nuts."

Manasa giggled and took a moment to let her body retake its normal shape. She noticed someone else looking at her thoughtfully - someone with pink hair. Within a second, the pink-haired student resembled Manasa to the letter.

"Didn't know there was another of me running around," Not-Manasa said with a teasing grin.

A black-haired girl next to her swatted Not-Manasa's shoulder. "Behave yourself, Tonks. At least introduce yourself to the firstie before you morph, you prat," the girl chastised. Tonks stuck her tongue out as she resumed her previous form.

"So, Manasa, how long have you known you were a Metamorphmagus?" Tonks asked with a grin as everyone started to slowly dig into the plates they'd been filling.

"Technically since I was… four?" Manasa shrugged as she ate and swallowed a bite of mashed potatoes, "My hair and eyes permanently changed to match Mum's by then."

Tonks seemed surprised, "Wow. I only had one permanent change when I was little, and that was to get some freckles." She wiggled her nose and Manasa saw as her skin rippled to show a massive spray of freckles across her face and neck. "Dad's coated in them, so I wanted to match. Guess it's the same for you?"

Manasa nodded as her golden ringlets rippled. She frowned before morphing them into shorter golden curls so they'd not get everywhere. Her scalp tingled as her hair receded until it was chin-length at best. "Better," she declared before taking a bite of roast beef.

Leanne Valiance frowned, "Everyone says you're supposed to be a boy… are you trans, then?"

Manasa was surprised at her comment, but wiggled her hand in the air, "Not exactly. I'm a girl, yeah, and definitely not a boy. But it's hard to explain. Sometimes I feel inbetween, or like neither. Still, my name's Manasa MacKinnon and I like being called 'Miss' and 'she' and 'her', and that's all I care about."

Leanne seemed a bit surprised, but shrugged, "Fine with me. Boys are yuck anyways."

Zacharias Smith shot her a withering look, "Yes, because girls can't be yuck." Leanne engaged him in a staring contest, then, and it looked tense for several moments before they both cracked grins, bumped fists and high-fived.

Manasa shook her head with a chuckle. Other kids were weird.

The black-haired girl who'd swatted Tonks looked at her thoughtfully. "So… oh, I'm Maxine, by the way. Captain of the Quidditch Team, and fifth year prefect. Anyway, where have you been the last eight years? The Ministry ran themselves ragged looking for you."

"Everywhere," Manasa replied with a chuckle as she ate, chewed and swallowed the next bite of roast beef. "All over the world. Japan, Russia, India, Korea, the States, Canada, not to mention nearly every country on the Continent and more than a few African Countries." She shrugged at the shocked looks she got, "Mum's a master at Apparition. She can clear about 2500km in one shot."

Someone yelped in shock, another girl slipped as her elbow fell into a butter dish, and both Tonks and Maxine's eyes bugged out of their heads.

She continued because she didn't want to deal with further shock, "And she can do up to four jumps immediately after another before she actually needs a moment to breathe."

Tonks' hands dropped from running through her hair, which went white to denote her shock. Several jaws were practically on the floor. The girl who fell into a butter dish nearly fainted.

Maxine took a long moment to collect herself, "So… she… what?"

Manasa shrugged, "Mum practiced it a lot so we could escape at a moment's notice. Before she knew it, she'd really mastered it. It doesn't even feel uncomfortable. Not wholly sure if that's her mastery or my resilience at work, but still. I've been all over."

People started to shake their heads and mutter in disbelief, but she could tell they didn't think she was lying. Not surprising - they probably assumed 'Marlene MacKinnon' had to be extremely powerful to evade numerous countries' Ministry's notice, protect the Girl-Who-Lived, raise her safely and most importantly have survived Voldemort's attack all those years ago. Manasa appreciated their reasoning - it made sense, even if it was a bit silly that some started muttering about the possibility that Mum had become the strongest wix alive. That was a silly thought. Especially when she heard some begin to theorize that her Mum had survived a Killing Curse, too, and that Fate determined she find and raise Manasa. How silly.

The rest of dinner was more passive. A few light questions about her adventures, which Manasa answered honestly and politely. After dessert, the Headmaster - or so he identified himself as, and Manasa recalled Mum's warning to be wary of the man, as she believed he'd been hunting them down, too - warned about the Forbidden Forest and Third-Floor Corridor. Manasa found it amusing that the warning about the Corridor was so blatant and vague - it would be explored within a week.

The Prefects corralled them in the main Common Rooms of Hufflepuff and settled them down before they introduced themselves. Manasa recognized the girl prefect as being Maxine.

They went over the basics - seek the prefects out if they need help, stick together to deter bullies, and don't push themselves too hard, but don't forget to put in as much effort as they can bear to. The only issue came when they were about to separate to retire to their new dorms - one hallway held the boy's dorms, and one held the girl's. Due to there being six boys and five girls, the intention was for each side to have two dorms - boys into two groups of three, while the girls would have one with three, one with two. Manasa and Susan had agreed to take the double, and none of the other girls minded - though they offered to help Susan if she ever needed.

No, the girl's weren't the issue. The boys were - specifically, one boy. Ernie MacMillan.

He grabbed her right wrist when she went to join the girls, and immediately she released her Royal Poinciana wand into her left hand. She then twisted and yanked her right wrist out of his grasp, slammed a knee into his stomach, and pointed her wand at him, "Silos." The Stilling Hex left him stuck in the fetal position, mouth in an open, soundless cry.

The prefects stared in shock, and Maxine stepped forwards, "Er… MacKinnon?"

Manasa huffed and undid the Hex, letting Ernie groan and heave for air. "He grabbed my wrist. Mum taught me self-defense. That means kicking the rear of any boy who lays his hand on me." She shot a cold glare to the other boys, one Zacharias and Dorcas followed up with as the now-three glares made Justin, Tobias and Wayne look incredibly uncomfortable and shift while averting their own eyes. Manasa caught Zacharias' gaze and gave him a tiny nod before doing the same to Dorcas.

Maxine's eyes narrowed as she asked Manasa to see her wrist. She obliged, gently pulling her sleeve back. Just on her wrist, where the holster didn't cover, was a slightly reddish-pink area that resembled a gripping hand. The prefect's gaze hardened as she looked at Ernie, before she looked up at Victor Montgomery - her boy counterpart. He nodded and hefted Ernie up, ignoring the boy's groans as he sat him in a chair.

"Why'd you grab her wrist, MacMillan?" Victor's tone was sharp and full of rebuke, but probing.

Ernie grunted and took a few breaths before he glared at Manasa, "... hit me." He had tried to say something before that, but wheezed as he did so. Manasa didn't feel very repentant - she knew how strong her knee-strike was. Mum had pointed out how useful knees and elbows could be against would-be attackers.

"Yes. After you grabbed my wrist," Manasa pointed out dryly, holding up the reddened wrist. "Heard you boast about your family, Ernie. I doubt they'd appreciate you mistreating not only a girl, but the Heiress to Houses Potter and MacKinnon."

Ernie just glared at her, "Potter's… not a… bloody… girl," he ground out.

Tonks - who'd been hanging back, leaning against a wall - pulled away and butted in. "She is if she wants to be," Tonks commented coolly, shifting her appearance to be much more masculine. She even added a bit of stubble, and her voice became deeper. "See, us Metamorphmagi can be whatever we want. Once we gain enough control over our gift, the only limit is our imagination." She lifted her hand as she reverted, and then the arm took on an appearance identical to tree bark. "So, yeah. If I can be a tree, Manasa here can be a girl. Get over yourself, you git." She morphed back and tapped a fist to Manasa's shoulder, "Nice moves, kid. We should practice morphing sometime."

Manasa grinned at Tonks before the older girl shifted to be the same size as a first year before slipping down the girl's dorms, robe trailing behind her.

Maxine looked at Ernie as he seemed to be regaining his composure, mostly. "Misgender or misname MacKinnon again, and you'll be serving detention, MacMillan." She met Montgomery's eyes, and the boy nodded as he hefted Ernie to his feet and dragged him off to the boy's dorms.

Manasa's shoulders sagged, and she only managed a weak smile and tug in return when Susan tugged her sleeve and gave her a look of concern.

"Get to bed, girls. You'll want the rest," Maxine murmured as she led them to their dorms.

A moment before she joined Susan, Manasa gave Maxine a brief hug, "Thank you for that."

Maxine snorted and ruffled her golden curls. Manasa cheekily turned them into black ones that matched Maxine's, earning an eye roll. "Just remember - Hufflepuffs stick up for each other. Even in-house. MacMillan will buck up or buck out. Re-Sorts are something that happens, unfortunately."

Manasa nodded, "Right… Goodnight, Maxine."

"Night, kid."

Manasa then helped Susan to her bed and made sure to help point out where her trunk was, but didn't offer more help unless Susan asked. Which she did not - Manasa was glad her dormmate was able to be so self-sufficient. She knew that sometimes it wasn't easy if visual impairment was linked to something more extensive.

Soon, both girls were sound asleep. Hopes for a better year than Ernie's behavior implied helping them get some much-needed rest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Kudos congratulate Manasa on a fairly smooth coming out, and your Comments tell her to kick Ernie's butt if he tries anything again.

Next Chapter: Mama MacKinnon makes some waves.

The Discord!: https://discord.gg/w5k4TfFRGG

~~~~~Marlene MacKinnon~~~~~

Letters, Papers and Returns

~~~~~Marlene MacKinnon~~~~~

September 3rd, 1991

Mum,

I sorted into Hufflepuff. It was a bit of a battle, though - the Hat couldn't decide for a total of eighteen minutes and thirty-one seconds. Isn't that just mad? Though I like how it considered me for every House.

I made some nice friends on the train. I'm writing this early Monday morning, so I'm not sure how things will go. Susan Bones (Puff) and Hannah Abbott (Gryff) are quite nice - Susan and I are dormmates, actually. Just the two of us. Everyone's been very accepting, though you were right - telling them about your Apparition abilities seemed to scare the bad ones silly. One boy grabbed my arm last night - Ernie MacMillan. I kneed him in the gut for that.

I also met another Metamorphmagus! She's called Tonks, though I don't know for sure what pronouns she uses - I'm just using the ones others do. She's a Seventh year, and she's got more control than even Manon does! She'll be helping me out in her off time. I can't wait.

Hopefully classes won't be too bad. McGonagall seemed fond of me last night, though the Professor with straight black hair that looked a little greasy gave me a very mean stare. I'm guessing that one's the DE you warned me about - Snape. I'll keep my head down. Maybe morph to look like any old student in his class? I'll let you know how it goes.

Also, Mum. There's something really important I have to tell you. One of the boys in my House - his name is Dorcas Meadows. I'm pretty sure he's… well. Her son. He looks so, so much like her, Mum.

Marlene's hand shook as she set the letter down, tears sliding down her face. Dorcas had a son. Dorcas had a son. A son that resembled her strongly - and coming from Mana, that was as true as it could ever be. Her daughter had an acute eye for facial features - she'd know what she's talking about.

She took several moments to steady herself, letting the tears slide down as shaky breaths found their way out of her. She'd grieved Dorcas for years, and while she'd known her best friend had married a man, she'd never heard anything about a baby. Baby Dorcas had likely been protected just as carefully as she'd done for Mana. After she finally managed to slow the tears, she continued to read. She didn't have much time before her plans at the Ministry.

I'm going to try and befriend him. I'm really glad he's in Hufflepuff - if I'm being honest, it's the House I wanted most, since it was yours.

There were some doubts about me being a MacKinnon, but Professor McGonagall, most of the other students and the Prefects are honoring it. Of course, I know you'll be handling things on that end come Tuesday, but I can't help being anxious. I'm thinking I'll probably wear the Amulet that Lady Mahalu gave me back in El Dorado. I know how over the top it sounds, but I'd rather not deal with someone claiming line theft before the problem is solved.

I think I've befriended Draco Malfoy (Claw)? Possibly? He behaved on the train even though Ron (Slyth), Hannah and Susan were all there with me. I know his father's a DE - don't worry, I don't intend to get close to the boy. I'll keep it cordial and friendly, but I'm keeping my secrets where I can. So far nobody knows about my second wand, and I'm keeping it that way for as long as I can.

Another girl called Hermione Granger (Claw) seems interesting. Well, I like her looks anyway. Since she's in Ravenclaw I'd wager she's got a steady head on her shoulders. I might be able to befriend her as a good public reason to spend time around Draco whenever I need to improve our friendship - I know our politics are about as far from the Malfoy Family's as can be, so befriending them too publicly could get messy.

By the way, can you send a cane meant for blind people? Susan's visually impaired, herself - can only differentiate light at best. She never got a cane, and I know we have some Muggle Contacts off in the States that could get us one. I'm happy to walk with Susan as much as possible, but I'd be happier if she had a cane for her own use.

Love,

Manasa

P.S. I just ran into Hermione on the way to the Owlery. She really wanted to message her parents. She's excitable and really hyper, but super sweet - offered to trip anyone who deadnames or misgenders me. I'm definitely making friends with her.

Marlene ran through the list of names Mana had noted. Her heart skipped a beat at reading the name of the boy that was identical to her late best friend's. But she scowled at the name 'MacMillan'. That family had once been allies of the MacKinnons. Something to remedy, it seemed.

Bones and Abbott were familiar, and also those of friends. She made a note to start a list of who all they'd invite to their Yule Celebrations, as she knew Mana would want to invite all the friends she could. Malfoy was also familiar, but it seemed Mana already had that well in-hand.

Granger… the name was familiar, if only due to the extant line of Dagworth-Granger. She wondered at the possibility of a Squib being young Hermione's ancestor. It could be a good idea to take the girl to St. Mungo's Documentation Ward for a Blood Heritage Test.

Regardless, there was something else to address. The problem relating to the Daily Prophet.

Marlene slipped on her travel coat, and for the first time in ages didn't bother with a glamour. She adjusted the Muggle clothes she'd worn - they were far more comfortable than robes, and considered standard wear in almost any country other than the Isles anyway.

She tucked her two wands into her holsters, the new Yew and Manticore Chitin wand being, as Ursula implied, a gorgeous match to her original wand. A Gauthier Original - Fir and Acromantula Queen Fang. It had certainly been worth the twenty Galleons to get the second wand.

One last check of the mirror and a sharp nod later, and she Disapparated with a soft pop. Leaving behind the distasteful copy of the Prophet.

Harry Potter - Found! Boy-Who-Lived now Girl-Who-Lived? Claiming to be Heiress to the MacKinnon Line?

~~~~~Marlene MacKinnon~~~~~

Apparating into the Ministry is supposed to be impossible.

For Marlene MacKinnon, though, not even the wards of Hogwarts could keep her out. Her Apparition was a spear that could pierce even the tiniest, most minute hole. And if there was no hole? It made one through sheer force. Every Apparition was unique to everyone, but in Marlene's case? Nobody had mastered manipulating their Apparition before her, and her high-speed cracks had been replaced with needle-thin, peak-speed pops.

When she appeared, everyone froze. Many had their eyes widen, and everyone palmed their wands.

Marlene ignored them, striding to the Front Desk. The man behind it seemed to quail, shaking as he looked at her cool, confident expression.

"Marlene MacKinnon. Here to meet with the Minister," she said icily, smoothly withdrawing her original wand and setting it down before she tilted her head slightly. The short curls which she now kept at shoulder length shifted with the motion as she raised a single pale eyebrow.

The man's hands shook and he barely looked away from her as he scanned her wand, passing it back mutely along with the 'Visitor' Badge. She took both and walked away. She knew she looked terrifying - it was the aura she exuded. A useful lesson from the Evil Queen of the Aztec Empire - not that she'd ever confirm that she'd begun dabbling in the darkest of arts. Her intentions were and always would be her own and Mana's safety and prosperity. Others be damned. If Mana still thought Mahalu was little more than a powerful witch, all the better. She was just glad she'd had the foresight to convince Mahalu to make the protections on her daughter's amulet non-fatal and non-permanent in terms of what they do to whoever attacks her.

She knew the path to the Minister's office, but could barely hold off her snarl when she was waylaid by none other than–

"Augustus," she greeted coldly, arching an eyebrow in annoyance. "Interrupting me? Surely you're aware I've got bigger issues than you."

Augustus Rookwood's eyes glittered with malice, but the petty Death Eater couldn't incite fear in her if he tried. "Surely," he agreed coldly. "After all, the Potter boy is attempting line theft."

Marlene chuckled darkly before her hand snapped out, grabbed his collar and yanked him close. "Manasa is my daughter, Rookwood. Plain and simple. Imply otherwise again and I'll seek retribution." She tossed him back, causing the man to shudder. She knew he'd seen the anger in her eyes and had wised up quickly. Good. She meant business.

If she wanted to ensure she'd retain custody - well, legal custody - and have no incoming issues, she had to take a hardline policy. She had to pose herself as invincible - and that was her very plan. Every step was calculated. Every glance, every narrowing of her eyes, every twitch of her lips. Fear. She would use that to deter anyone from taking her daughter from her.

Did that make her any better than Evil Wixen such as Voldemort, Grindelwald, Mahalu or Allegrata? No. It just made her goals more tame. Not that she cared.

She entered the elevator, not caring for the terrified looks sent her way as most scattered. One man remained, giving her a wry smirk. She arched an eyebrow, and Arthur Weasley shrugged as they reached his stop. "Make it painful," he whispered with a grin before he left.

Marlene rolled her eyes in the privacy of the elevator as it took her to the Minister's floor. Her eyes took on their previous fury, and she strode out the moment the door opened.

The woman at the desk - her nameplate designated her 'Dolores Umbridge' - frowned at her. "May I ask who you are? Do you have an appointment?" She asked in a sickly sweet tone that reeked of a sycophant.

Marlene raised an eyebrow a single degree, "Marlene MacKinnon. Appointment be damned, Cornelius is seeing me."

She glared at the toad-like woman, who seemed about to object until she realized Marlene was over a foot taller and dangerous. She instead raised her wand and opened the doors with a nervous, terrified smile.

Marlene fought the urge to roll her eyes as she entered the office. It wasn't as if she was about to kill Fudge and take his office. Honestly.

"Cornelius! Just the man I wanted to see," Marlene greeted the paling man coldly. She smiled with as much acid as she could muster, and both the reporter she recognized as Rita Skeeter and that manipulating bastard Malfoy were there. "Oh! Wonderful! This makes it quite simple to order all my affairs at once."

She gave a feral grin as Fudge shuddered. "I… I see you… you survived, Marlene," he managed in a way that seemed like he was trying for joy but instead was terrified.

"Indeed," Lucius said softly, sizing Marlene up with a cautious look. "I suppose you are here regarding… the Potter child?"

Marlene's grin became more of a snarl, "I think you mean MacKinnon child, Lucius. You see, Mana wasn't lying when she said I was her mother." She glared coldly at Skeeter, "Though I guess I should point my blame to our… 'intrepid reporter', was it, Rita?"

Skeeter eyed her warily before giving a false smile, "Well, I was merely–"

"Being utterly incompetent at your job by not even considering asking my beloved daughter for an interview? Oh, I agree," Marlene replied casually, a malevolent chuckle emanating from her throat as she placed her hands on the back of the empty chair. "So! I'll make it simple. Obviously, I lay my claim to the MacKinnon Seat as its Lady." A ring appeared on her right index finger, bearing the MacKinnon crest as she was the rightful Heiress, claiming her Seat in the presence of the Minister. "Also, I have formed a blood bond with Manasa, so I declare her my Heiress." Another crest appeared on her ring, that of House Potter as the de-facto Acting Regent. Fudge paled visibly and she saw Skeeter's quill practically burning its words into the parchment. "Lastly, I recommend officially changing her name and gender marker to that of Manasa Kukulcan MacKinnon, a girl."

She pulled back, straightening her coat. After a moment, an interruption came in the form of Amelia Bones slamming the doors open while Umbridge tried to ask her to wait.

Marlene met Amelia's eyes, and the older woman's gaze went from a stony look to something softer.

"Marley?" The red-haired woman asked softly.

Marlene smiled softly at her old partner, "Hey, Amy. I'm back."

Within seconds, the two women embraced. Amelia let out a small sob, "Gods, I missed you…"

Marlene winced softly as she squeezed her dear friend. "I know, Amy. I'm sorry. I had to hide. First for myself, but then for little Mana…"

Amelia pulled away, a small smirk on her face, "I suppose if anyone would have been the one to kidnap that girl and turned out to have led her to prosper, it would be you." She let out another wet chuckle before she shook her head, "Am I to take it you're the one who threaded the hole of the Ministry's Anti-Apparition Wards?"

Marlene shrugged, "Guilty as charged. I've picked up some tricks, Amy. Kinda have to when you're traveling the world with a kid." She chuckled as all the memories came to her, "She had such a big, goofy smile when we went to Rio during Carneval…"

She frowned when she realized the others were staring at her. "What, Cornelius? Lucius? Did you have a question?"

Cornelius seemed to struggle for a moment, then, "So… you abducted… er, Manasa?"

Marlene fought the urge to roll her eyes, "Saved, more like. Those Muggles were terribly abusive. I have some Healers reports to prove it, but I can also inform you that I was flawlessly surgical with my Obliviations and fabricated memories."

Amelia sighed and gave a shake of her head, "She's right. The Muggles had no idea Manasa even existed, and seemed quite put-out at the idea of having housed her at all. They didn't even have the slightest inkling who Marlene was - they had no clue if any wix had visited them ever since they last spoke to the Potters. Her work was flawless."

Marlene didn't smile as she wanted to, despite how smug she felt. "I understand you had your concerns about Mana, but she was perfectly safe. We traveled the world. I taught her, raised her, kept her protected and fed - most importantly, I led everyone on about ten dozen wild goose chases. False Apparition readings are one of my skills. Nobody could have found Manasa - nobody but me. Especially after she started mastering her Metamorphmagus talents."

Lucius' eyes narrowed as he appraised her more shrewdly. "And just why are you dressed as a Muggle?"

Marlene snorted, "Because it's comfortable, Lucius." She spat his name with as much venom as she could muster, for which she was rewarded as the man stiffened. "Besides, in nearly every other country, this is fairly formal attire. I especially liked how they ran things in the States - so organized and trustworthy. It was a pleasant change of pace."

She adjusted her coat again, before looking around the room, "Oh, and Fudge? Make sure to have my Death Certificate revoked. And next time? Be sure to find my body first. I can Apparate anytime, anywhere, anyplace. If you can't find a corpse, assume I'm alive."

She turned around and exited the room, but not before gently brushing her fingers against Amelia's. One of their old private messages - 'let's grab a drink later'.

Once she was out of the office, she wasted no time at all on the stout toad-like woman and left through the elevator. She had another person to visit. After a few shifts and turns, the elevator dropped her off at the Auror's office.

Everyone froze when they saw her, and she knew why. Even back in her time as an Auror, she had been powerful - notoriously so. It was why she'd been paired with Amelia - they were a match for each other, then.

She strode between the cubicles until she reached the door labeled 'Head of the Aurors Department'. She looked at the secretary outside, who seemed visibly intimidated - a woman with black hair. "Who's the Head now?" Marlene asked in a neutral tone.

"U-um, Sc-Scrimgeour. Rufus Scrimgeour," the woman managed to reply.

Marlene hummed, "Rufus, huh?" She pushed the door open without waiting for further comment, unlocking the security wards within a second.

Rufus looked at her in alarm, wand in hand as he stopped partially-rising out of his seat. "Auror MacKinnon," he murmured, eyes narrowing at her. Seemed he was still a hard-line bastard. "Everyone thought you had died."

Marlene snorted, "It's Lady MacKinnon, Rufus. I'm not working as an Auror anymore - actually came to properly tell you I'm resigning." She reached into her coat, withdrew the haphazard resignation letter she'd prepared and tossed it on top of his desk. Rufus was slowly standing, but kept his hand on his wand while she continued. "As for my death… well, I think you can see that was a crock," she continued with a dark chuckle. "I was traveling the world, raising my daughter - Manasa MacKinnon. Yes, the erstwhile 'Potter child'. Give me grief all you like about that, you wouldn't be able to arrest me - not even with Alastor's help."

She struck her elbow out behind her, hearing a grunt followed by the distinct sound of stumbling. She turned around to see Alastor Moody, grimacing as he held his stomach. "Nice try, Alastor. Unfortunately even your constant vigilance isn't enough to help you against me." She smirked and offered her hand for him to shake.

Alastor's grimace was replaced with a feral grin as he accepted, barking out a laugh, "Aye, you're Marley alright. Good job with those Muggles - your Obliviation was top form. Clearly your martial arts are, too."

Marlene snorted as she released the handshake, "You pick up some things, traveling the world with a kid. If you want, I can do a brief interview with both of you gentlemen so you can understand how I managed the last ten years, and how Mana handled the last eight. Sound fair?" She looked between Alastor and Rufus, a single eyebrow arched questioningly.

Alastor and Rufus traded looks before they both nodded, so Marlene sat herself in one of the empty seats while Alastor remained standing, though he did close the door and added some Privacy Wards.

Once Rufus settled into his seat, wand left sitting openly on his desk, he laced his fingers together. "I somehow rather doubt we'd be able to make this an… official interview, so I'll just delve into the questioning. Is that acceptable?"

Marlene didn't let her surprise show. Usually Rufus had been a stickler for the rules when he was an Auror. Either the promotion had smoothed his edges, or he was still wary and wanted to get on her good side. "Sure," she agreed, wanting to get it over with anyways.

Rufus started, "How did you survive the attack on MacKinnon Manor?"

Marlene smirked, "From the beginning? Makes sense. Well, simple answer is that I Apparated." She shrugged, "It was the first time I'd ever punctured an Anti-Apparition ward, so it left me out of sorts for a few days. I came out somewhere in Greenland."

Alastor arched his remaining eyebrow, "Greenland? Quite the jump."

Marlene shrugged, "I've done further than that, easy. For the first couple years I hung around the Isles and the Continent. After Voldemort's defeat, I wanted to make sure Mana was okay - I felt like I owed it to Jamie and Lily."

Rufus nodded thoughtfully. To his credit, Voldemort's name didn't cause even the tiniest reaction. "And sometime around… August of '83 is when you found the child?"

Marlene nodded, "Yeah. Took a lot of work, but being off the grid actually helped. Found the Muggle family - gods, they were awful. Thankfully the damage they'd done by then was… minimal, though it took a lot of restraint to just Obliviate them. Took Mana to a friend for them to help make sure she was okay, and from there we've been all across the world."

She reached into her coat and withdrew a small book from her inner pocket - a magical passport. Or, at least, one she'd created on her own. She set it on the table, "That's a bit like a muggle passport I made on my own. There's loads of ink stamps in it, organized by date. I didn't do any for return visits, but I did add tally marks around each one whenever we returned to the country. Most of our time was spent in France, the Netherlands or Finland, since we spoke their languages, though once I was able to Apparate us safely to the States, we spent a lot of time there, in Canada and in the South American countries."

While Rufus cautiously leafed through the book, Alastor's gaze narrowed. "You can Apparate that far? You certainly shocked us by threading the hole in the Ministry's own wards, but distance…"

Marlene wiggled her hand in the air, "Not exactly. I just triple-jumped across the Atlantic. It was a bit exhausting the first time, but I got a lot of practice doing it whenever we decided to return to the Continent. The real doozy was when I first did a quadruple-jump to cross the Pacific. When crossing the Oceans, I need to chain the jumps immediately. That isn't easy to do without Splinching, much less Splinching anyone I Sidealong. But I got it. Bloody exhausted myself, though." She didn't remark how she'd recovered within a mere couple of hours.

Both Rufus and Alastor paused all the same, and began to regard her less like an unknown variable, and more like a live bomb. Rufus slowly set the book down while Alastor's posture became much more tense. Marlene gave a mischievous smile, "What? Something I said?"

Alastor looked at her closely with his magical eye, and his normal one narrowed. "You've got two wands now… That's a new development. Your magic's very… different. Thought it was just my magic eye playing tricks on me… you've changed, Marlene."

She gave a dark laugh, "I did. It tends to happen when you literally travel the entire planet. Learning and teaching the magics of every country you can find. I bought mountains of books for Manasa, and an equal amount of dictionaries. She's perfectly fluent in four languages, though she likely assumes her Finnish is rusty. She's close enough to fluent in another six, conversational in nine, and has a passable amount of knowledge in a number of others that if we needed to we could flee for nearly any country in the world if a single one of you tries to lay a hand on me or my daughter."

She leaned forwards, her smile becoming predatory as she rested her head on her interlaced fingers, elbows propped on Rufus' desk. Her once-friend's expression now finally held the tiniest semblance of fear.

"What do you want?" He asked softly, both hands flat on his own desk. He'd finally realized that this wasn't an interview - it was her making a promise.

"I think you know I'm in perfectly fine shape. So is Manasa - if you'd like, I'll even oversee an interview if you wish to have one. But if you ever approach my daughter or lay a hand on her?" She gave a dark chuckle that was an exact copy of the one Allegrata had used to cause a shudder of terror run down Marlene's own spine four years ago. Both men seemed to experience the same feeling. "I think you know what will happen."

Rufus seemed to swallow his saliva, "I don't think any of us want to duel you, Marlene… no, Lady MacKinnon. We'll keep our noses out of your business."

Marlene's predatory grin became more friendly, "Good." She lightened her tone considerably, and both men visibly relaxed. "I know you both likely have your concerns about what I am," she commented as she stood, wandlessly summoning her little book back and tucking it away, "but all I'll inform you of is that I don't intend to replace Voldemort. My only intentions are to keep myself and my daughter safe, and Mana especially kept happy. Let us live our lives, and I don't care what the Ministry does."

She last saw Alastor and Rufus exchange a hopeful yet anxious look before she opened the door and left.

~~~~~Marlene MacKinnon~~~~~

"Ah, Lady MacKinnon, I was wondering if I could have an interview?"

Marlene fought down the urge to scowl, or just punch Skeeter in the face. Instead she arched an eyebrow at the woman, "Regarding?" She put enough ice in the word to freeze the Arctic Circle all over again.

Skeeter didn't seem intimidated, though her expression tightened some. "Regarding your adoption of the Potter child," she commented in a way that reminded Marlene far too much of a reporter in El Dorado that Mahalu had made an example of. She nearly considered following in her mentor's footsteps. Nearly.

"There's not much to say. Manasa wasn't in a safe household, so I took her in and raised her. She's happy, she's healthy, she's fiercely intelligent and most of all she's safe - and protected." She put a good deal of intent in those words, knowing Skeeter would understand the thinly veiled promise. Not a threat, of course - Marlene didn't make threats. She made promises.

Skeeter seemed unaffected - seemed. But Marlene heard the most minute change in her voice. "Yet you've changed her name?"

Marlene arched an eyebrow, "She chose her name herself. All I've done is inform Cornelius that he should update it, and let everyone know she's a MacKinnon in every way now. She's my daughter. We performed the rite, and those who try to cause trouble or claim line theft will find themselves on the business end of my wand."

Then, without warning, she decided for a more up-front method. She lashed out, grabbed Skeeter's collar, and yanked the woman closer yet downwards, so she was forced to look upwards at Marlene. A simple yet effective intimidation tactic - Marlene's lack of breathlessness, perfectly unshaken demeanor and casual yet swift motion were all trained and practiced. She met Skeeter's hard grey eyes with her own icy blues, "If I ever see an article from you causing trouble, or find out you approach my daughter at any point in your life, I'll be quite cross. You don't want to see me cross."

Skeeter finally seemed terrified as her eyes bulged, she shook and nodded her understanding. Marlene gave the reporter one of her most feral smiles, dropping her like a sack of potatoes. Clearly the reporter didn't have any strength left as her legs immediately gave out beneath her and she fell, looking at Marlene with a healthy dose of fear.

"Wonderful! I'm glad we could come to an understanding." Marlene shot her one last predatory smile, looked around the Atrium sharply, and Disapparated with a small pop. Once again. She easily threaded the hole. Maybe they'd think twice before deciding to put a toe out of line, next time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Kudos cheer our favorite badass mama on, your Comments give her ideas of how to keep the Ministry in line.

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Next Chapter: Manasa deals with the attention.

CW: Ableism

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

Books, Classes and Spells

~~~~~Manasa MacKinnon~~~~~

September 5th, 1991

Her first week was going well.

Manasa focused on her classes for the most part. She helped Susan around and guided her a lot - it wasn't that difficult, really. Mum had taught her enough - and she'd picked up so much on her own - that the first week of classes was very easy. She got a solid amount of points for Hufflepuff, breezed through her homework, and made a point of ignoring Ernie MacMillan as much as absolutely possible.

Of the friends she made… Well, Susan was easily the one she got closest to. It helped that she was the one guiding Susan around to classes, and they got along a lot since Susan loved hearing about her adventures. For her part, Manasa just liked spending time with someone who didn't care about the fame that came with her identity.

Hannah was the best. She was a Gryffindor, but she preferred pairing with Susan or Manasa if she could help it. They got along well and Hannah's chaotic personality was one Manasa could appreciate. Plus Hannah liked helping her experiment with her morphing abilities and gave loads of requests. Since with Hannah she could tell it was all in good fun, she didn't mind - others who asked tended to just be ignored.

Draco and Hermione should have been at each other's throats, but somehow ended up challenging one another. Draco didn't like that Hermione was so easily outscoring him - with Manasa he expected it because of her pre-Hogwarts days. Hermione didn't like doing less than her best. So she regularly trounced him, though Draco didn't seem mad, moreso adamant on trying harder and doing better.

Ron… wasn't doing well. Slytherin didn't like him much. His siblings tried to cover for him where they could, and if nothing else Blaise Zabini didn't seem to mind pairing with him, but the other Slytherin boys were far less accommodating. The girls couldn't have cared less, but Crabbe, Goyle and Nott weren't exactly the kindest boys.

As for classes… they were interesting, to be sure.

Herbology, History, Charms and Astronomy were pleasant, but simple. History especially - Mum had taught her so much about History that she could just use the time to catch up on homework or help Susan with her notes. Charms she caught on quickly with and then jumped to help Susan or Hannah, since they shared the class with Gryffindor. Herbology wasn't an easy task - because of how much one needed their sight for, Susan was at a major disadvantage. Manasa was more familiar with foreign plants, herself, so she had to put in some effort there of her own. She made it a joint effort with Hannah to get their work done as a trio. Astronomy was one where Susan was exempted from a lot of the work and mostly assigned study-work in her offtime, which she managed with her reader device and Manasa's help.

The challenges were Transfiguration, DADA and Potions. Transfiguration was mostly due to Susan needing to be able to visualize the item she was transfiguring something into, which was hardly a simple task, though Professor McGonagall didn't object to Manasa's efforts to help Susan and even gave points for it. DADA was a struggle mainly because Quirrell was utterly incompetent as a teacher and a total coward - Manasa just appreciated that he didn't care that she helped Susan.

Potions, however…

"Ah, yes. Manasa MacKinnon. Our newest… celebrity," Professor Snape drawled, his lip curled in a sneer. Manasa held an instant dislike for the greasy-haired git. She knew he was being a particular jerk because Mum told her how rotten he was to her biological parents. Not to mention how she'd been front-page news on the Prophet for the last 2 days.

She ignored Snape for the most part as he droned on and on about 'bottling fame' and 'brewing glory'. Clearly he wasn't as reformed of a Death Eater as he pretended, talking as psychotically as he was.

"MacKinnon!" She glared at him.

"Yes, Professor?" She replied icily, being cordial while not at all disguising her disdain for him.

He glowered back, "What would I get if I added powdered root of wormwood to an infusion of asphodel?" He snapped.

Manasa fought the urge to roll her eyes, "Nothing particularly exciting beyond a combination of two plants unless you actually decided to brew some form of potion. They're useful for a number of potions - particularly in Korea - though in the Isles for some reason all we ever use it for is the Draught of Living Death."

Snape's glare became several levels harder, "Five points from Hufflepuff for your cheek, MacKinnon. Where would you find a bezoar?"

Once again, she fought the urge to roll her eyes. "In the stomach of a number of animals ranging from goats to a large variety of birds, and even the intestines of humans in the right circumstances - though any competent Potioneer keeps several in their stock as well as on their person," she replied, barely managing to contain her snark. Still, her tone showed whether she thought Snape was a competent Potioneer - of course, she didn't.

He gritted his teeth. What, did he want her to be wrong? Stupid git should have asked someone who hadn't traveled the world with a past-Auror. Mum literally got an O on her Potions N.E.W.T., what was he expecting?

"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?" He asked finally, his knuckles white as he gripped the edge of the table.

Manasa tilted her head, "There isn't one. It's also called aconite, leopard's bane, devil's helmet and blue rocket." She met Snape's gaze, knowing he was probably itching to use Legilimency on her. Not that he'd succeed. But she was getting annoyed with him picking on her.

Snape scowled and turned away, "Well? Why aren't the lot of you writing that down?!" He barked before he then began the lesson properly.

Manasa brewed the potion easily enough, and guided Susan as she did so. Or tried to.

"MacKinnon. Bones should be brewing her potion herself. Stop doing her work for her or it's twenty points from Hufflepuff," Snape stated harshly as he approached their table.

Manasa paused and looked at him. She took a deep, slow breath, and then turned off both her and Susan's burners. "Come on, Susan. Let's go," she commented.

"Wh– what?" Susan asked in confusion. Manasa saw the tears threatening in her eyes, though. She was not at all about to let that bully of a man harass a blind girl and force her to make a fool of herself. She gently pulled Susan down from her chair and wordlessly used the Packing Spell on both of their packs.

"And just where do you think you're going, MacKinnon?" Snape said icily as he moved to intercept them.

Manasa looked at him with as much contempt as she could muster, "As far from you as possible, Professor. Susan is blind. That means she needs help. Seeing as I wouldn't trust you to help her brew a potion - considering you can't even get over yourself and stop acting like a complete bully towards me - and you're not letting me help her… we're leaving. We'll find personal tutors - maybe I'll even ask my Mum to teach us. Either way, we won't be learning from you. Now get out of the way, Professor."

Snape bared his teeth in a snarl, "Sit down, MacKinnon. Or I'll be speaking to the Headmaster about this."

"Do as you like, Professor," she shot back before guiding Susan out of the room and not once looking back.

As they left, Susan started to fret, "Wh– Mana, should we–"

"Yes, Sue. We shouldn't take crap from him," Manasa affirmed, gently squeezing the other girl's shoulder. "He was trying to bully me and sabotage you. Professor Sprout told us that she let all the other Professors know you'd need accomodation and that the other girls and I would be helping you. Snape did that for no other reason than to be mean."

Susan sniffed and hiccuped, before she began to sob. Manasa winced and carefully helped her aside before hugging her. "I'm sorry, Sue… I wish it didn't have to be like this," she murmured, rubbing the other girl's back.

"Why… why do they have-have to just… treat me like that…?" Susan asked as she sniffled. Manasa grimaced and held her friend tighter. Everything was hard enough for her, she didn't need Snape making everything worse on top of that. Manasa known Snape wouldn't treat her well - Mum told her how much Snape hated James Potter - but Susan? Susan? That was crossing the line.

"Let's go talk to Dumbledore," she announced firmly. If the old man was running the school, then he'd damn well run it properly if Manasa had anything to say about it.

"Wh-what?" Susan blubbered, sniffling as she rubbed her face.

Manasa gently grabbed Susan's hand in her own, "Let's talk to Dumbledore. Professor Sprout's in a lesson right now, and Dumbledore's office is supposed to always be open to a meeting if needed. Besides, we'll want to see him before Snape does."

Susan hesitated only briefly before agreeing. It was a swift walk, as Manasa recalled and followed the directions Mum had told her before dropping her off at King's Cross. Emergencies only? Well, this felt like an emergency.

It wasn't long before they stood in front of a gargoyle, though they weren't alone. Professor McGonagall was there.

"Miss MacKinnon? Miss Bones? What are you doing here? You should be in Potions with Professor Snape, should you not?" She asked sharply, looking between the girls with visible confusion.

Manasa shook her head, "Not if he's going to single me out in class and demand I let Susan do everything on her own. She needs help and advice, but Professor Snape seems to think it's a good idea that she try it all on her own." She took a steadying breath to stop herself from cursing Snape out, "He made her cry, Professor."

McGonagall's expression softened briefly before it hardened again and she turned to the statue, "Lemon Drop!" The gargoyle jumped out of the way and a staircase began to rise. "Follow me, girls - I was just about to see the Headmaster anyways."

Susan squeaked her thanks as Manasa helped her onto the steps and they stood still as it went upwards.

"I try not to speak ill of my colleagues," McGonagall said, seemingly to herself. "But there are some days it becomes quite… challenging." She grated the last word out, and Manasa felt relieved that the Professor seemed genuinely upset on their behalf.

They got to the top, and heard shouting. Well, one voice was shouting - Snape's.

"Just as arrogant as her father! Talking back! Ignoring everything I say! Acting like she runs the place! Struts just like he did! She's insufferable and I won't stand for her in my class, Headmaster!" Snape bellowed, causing Manasa to squeeze Susan's shoulder a bit. Susan whimpered at the loud shouting, and Manasa couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated as well. She hadn't heard an adult yell about her since… the Dursleys.

"Well now, Severus," McGonagall said icily as she strode through the open doors. Manasa and Susan followed, the former holding the latter protectively and also wondering if she should use her Communication Mirror and call Mum. She was ready to at a moment's notice. "That's quite the tirade about a young girl who was standing up to you regarding your own verbal abuse - as well as your mistreatment of Miss Bones."

Snape's eye twitched and he glared at Manasa and Susan, though when Dumbledore saw them he had a much kinder expression on his face.

"Miss MacKinnon, Miss Bones. Professor Snape tells me you left his class without permission. Could you please tell me why?" Dumbledore asked kindly while gesturing for the girls to sit.

Manasa didn't answer until she'd helped Susan into a seat, and then she sat down next to her, "He threatened to take points from Hufflepuff if I kept helping Susan with her potion brewing. But Professor… Susan can't safely brew potions on her own, not without loads and loads of practice that she doesn't have. She's blind. She can't see the ingredients or even the cauldron. Right now she needs the help and as I'm her friend I'm going to help her. Besides, I can brew potions just fine. I've been doing it with Mum since I was six." She shrugged at McGonagall's impressed expression, "It helped us get some finances when we were in rough spots."

Dumbledore nodded in understanding, before sending a sharp look to Snape, "And what about the… 'attitude' Professor Snape tells me you used with him?"

Susan piped up, "She was just answering his questions, Headmaster. Professor Snape got mad because she was right… I don't think he was asking first-year questions, though. It sounded like N.E.W.T. level stuff… she didn't like that he was singling her out. He didn't ask anyone else stuff like that. And… he called her a 'celebrity', but it didn't sound polite."

McGonagall glared at Snape with visible fury, while Dumbledore's expression was one of cold displeasure. "Is that so? Miss MacKinnon, I do believe you have quite the interesting mirror, do you not?"

Manasa blinked in surprise, "Um… y-yeah, I do. Mum said it used to be James Potter's, and the one she has used to belong to Sirius Black." She grimaced at the name, but was thankful as ever to Mum for not giving her the one that used to be Black's. It would just upset her.

Dumbledore nodded, "Perhaps call your Mother here? I've been interested in meeting her, and now is as good a time as any. Besides, her presence is required to organize separate instruction." He then looked at Susan, "As for Miss Bones… I can contact your Aunt, so don't worry. I don't doubt we could ensure your education's integrity. Don't worry."

Snape puffed up angrily, "Headmaster–"

Dumbledore quieted him with a glance, "Indeed, Severus. I am the Headmaster. That means if my students come to me claiming they've been harassed in your classroom, and do not wish to further their education with you? Who am I to refuse them? Private instruction has always been permitted at Hogwarts if a student determines one of their Professors to be lacking or… disagreeable." He shot Snape another look, and the man met it for several seconds before turning away in visible agitation.

And Manasa thought she was the kid.

She pulled out her mirror and tapped the back, "Marlene MacKinnon."

Mere seconds later, Mum appeared in the mirror. "Mana? What's wrong, dear?"

"Um… Headmaster Dumbledore wants to know if you can come by? It's because of something that happened in cl–"

Crack!

"... class. Hi, Mum," Mana finished, embarrassed as she saw her Mum dusting herself off.

Mum glared at Snape, "Oh, wow. Can't say I'm surprised. Snivellus - being rude to my kid. Hah! What an impossible scenario!"

She shook her head in disgust while Snape sneered at her, "Your daughter can't behave herself for five seconds, Marlene. She insists on doing Bones' work for her–"

Crack!

Snape looked in shock as he held his face, and the room was silent as Mum flexed her fingers. "Imply my daughter is ever on anything other than her best behavior again, Severus, and it won't end with a slap," she warned coldly before she sighed and turned to face Dumbledore. "Hey, Albus. Minerva."

Dumbledore had a mildly impressed smile, and McGonagall looked like she'd been wanting to hit Snape like that for ages. "Hello, Marlene. It's wonderful to see you doing well," Dumbledore greeted. "Your judgment is as sharp as ever - as much as it was my fault that it had to happen to begin with, you have my thanks for rescuing Manasa. It was a mistake to place her with the Dursleys - Manasa is extremely fortunate that your death never came to pass."

Mum regarded him coldly, seeming to study him for several moments. Eventually, she nodded sharply, "Don't make a mistake like that again. Ever." The warning tone in her voice was abundantly clear, and Dumbledore nodded.

"Of course, Marlene. I've been deferring to Minerva quite a bit these days. She is - from a standpoint of logic and reasoning - every bit my superior." Dumbledore smiled at McGonagall, who stood a bit straighter and seemed to smile a tiny bit. "By the way, how did you slip through the Apparition wards?"

Manasa beamed, "Mum's just cool like that."

Mum snorted and ruffled her hair, "I just make myself so tiny I can slip through the tiniest gap, Albus. I'd happily teach you, if your body can keep up." She then looked at Susan thoughtfully, "You must be Susan… Mana told me about you in her letter. I think you'll make good friends. How are they doing in classes? I assume he is the only one with a complaint?" She jerked a thumb at Snape, whose face was now red where she'd struck him. He scowled at her.

"Your daughter–"

"Severus claimed Manasa was being impertinent in class," McGonagall cut in, shooting Snape a glare to end all glares. "In reality, she was answering presumably-N.E.W.T. level questions, brewing her own potion with no issue, and aiding Miss Bones in brewing her own potion."

Mum quirked an eyebrow, "What were the questions?"

"He asked about powdered wormwood root and an infusion of asphodel, where to find bezoars, and the difference between wolfsbane and monkshood," Susan piped up. That impressed Manasa - she hadn't recalled the questions because they were easy for her.

Dumbledore's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "And you knew the answers to those questions, Miss MacKinnon? That's impressive. While not quite N.E.W.T. level, the only one that should be taught to your year are the various names for wolfsbane."

Mum took a slow breath, before she carefully set her wand on the table. Manasa recognized it as what Mum did when she was angry and needed to stop herself from hauling off and cursing someone blind. "And what was the issue with her helping Miss Bones? Susan's visually impaired, as I understand it. Functionally blind. How in the world is it impertinent if my daughter - who clearly has the patience of a saint if she didn't just call me immediately - helps a friend in need?"

"He wanted Susan to brew her potions herself - which would obviously be really dangerous and unsafe. He made her cry," Manasa stated simply.

Crack!

Mum flexed her fingers again while Snape groaned from the floor. "Right then. Mana's gonna be learning Potions from me directly - not like I've got anything better to do. I'll Apparate over every Saturday. Should have a modified lesson plan by then, or at least something to start. Susan? Amy - your Aunt Amelia? She's an old friend. I'll let her know you'll be learning from me as well. That sound alright?"

Susan blinked in surprise, "I– Is that really okay, Miss MacKinnon?"

Mum chuckled, "Call me Marley. Miss MacKinnon's my daughter." She then turned around, crouched and pushed Snape back to the floor before he could sit up like he was trying to. "If I ever find out you raise your voice against or insult my daughter again, Severus, I will kidnap you and leave you stranded in Hawaii. Am I understood?"

Snape paled, "You wouldn't."

Crack!

They vanished just like that. Manasa grimaced, and Dumbledore frowned.

"Did she actually…?"

"Yep," Manasa replied before she shook her head. "Ever since we spent time in Arkansas four years ago, she's been really… defensive of me." She felt her face warm in embarrassment, "All that happened was that some lady insulted me for my skin. She uh… didn't take to it kindly. Sometimes I think Mum's pretty scary. She'd never hurt me or my friends, but I feel bad for anyone who'd be mean to us…"

Crack!

Snape was gasping in surprise, drenched and caked in wet sand. Mum glowered at him - she was perfectly dry, and perfectly clean.

"Yes, Severus. I would," Mum stated before she shook her head. "Honestly. Making me Apparate across the planet just to make a point. You're an idiot, Severus," Mum snarked before she picked up her wand from the table and waved it, drying and cleaning Snape off. He scrambled backwards, looking at her with a healthy dose of fear.

"That was Hawaii."

"Yes, Severus. It was," Mum agreed, her smile just as terrifying as Mahalu's had been.

"You took me to Hawaii. In… how many jumps? How quickly?"

She shrugged, "Enough. Now then. Will there be a problem, Severus? Or will you behave and leave my daughter alone?"

Snape scrambled to his feet and fled, causing Mum to snort.

"He always was a massive coward, wasn't he?" She mused, smirking at Dumbledore - who looked amused - and McGonagall - who seemed impressed.

"Manasa had mentioned that your Apparition abilities had become something of legend," McGonagall commented with a bit of an impressed tone. "I have to say I quite agree."

Manasa sighed as her shoulders sagged. She leaned against Susan and finally the tears slipped down, "That was awf-ful." She hiccuped a bit, "I know I p-put on a front, but–"

Mum swept her into a hug. "I know, Mana," she crooned, gently stroking her hair. "But you did everything right. You didn't back down, you stood up for your friend, and you got an adult. You did wonderfully. I'm very proud of you." She kissed the top of Manasa's head while her daughter hugged her tightly.

"Thanks, Mum. Sorry you had to be brought into this," she mumbled into Mum's shirt.

Mum laughed softly, "Considering I got to slap Snivellus twice and put the fear of God in him? I'm fine. Besides, I always have time to help you." She gently pulled away and set Manasa back next to Susan, who managed to hug her as well.

"Thank you for helping me, Mana. We barely know each other, but you've been doing so much for me," Susan said, giggling a bit wetly as she hugged her.

Manasa smiled as she hugged her back, "That's what friends are for. Besides, Mum always taught me to help people however and whenever I can. I'm not just going to leave you to fend for yourself."

Dumbledore smiled sadly, "You've raised your daughter to be an outstanding young lady, Marlene. I'm sorry about Severus - I had thought he'd be more…" He seemed to search for a word before shaking his head, "Tolerable, I suppose. I don't know what came over him, though I assure you he won't be bothering either Miss MacKinnon or Miss Bones again. In fact, Minerva?" McGonagall turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "Would you see to it that Severus' point-granting/removing and detention-setting abilities are no longer able to affect these two girls? I believe it would be for the best."

McGonagall blinked in surprise before she nodded, "It will be done, Albus. I do believe the girls don't have any more classes for the day, Marlene, so you can feel free to spend time with them before their dinner." She smirked at Mum before leaving the room.

Mum sighed and pinched her brow. She looked at Albus for a long moment before she finally spoke. "Why, Albus? Why Severus? He was a bully back in school - he always thought he was hot stuff. Called himself the 'Half-Blood Prince'. He acted like he was the boss of the place! Even Jamie wasn't that bad. Especially not after Flavia broke his arms in fourth year - for being mean to Severus! Jamie outright went out of his way to be nice to that greasy-haired git!"

Dumbledore steepled his fingers and seemed to take a moment to choose his words, "Severus repented after the war. He named many names, and provided a great deal of aid. I've offered him Sanctuary - initially he was just an assistant until Horace Slughorn left us five years ago. Severus had been… polite until then, but after Horace left he became bitter. It didn't get better, but he seemed to be toeing the line… until today, that is."

Manasa frowned, and she thought about it, "I… I heard him say I was like James… arrogant and strutting… do I do that?"

Mum looked heartbroken and wrapped an arm around her, "Never once, sweetheart. I promise you didn't. Jamie wasn't like that, either. He was full of it, but he never 'strutted'. Honestly, that sounds more like Severus…" She scowled and squeezed Manasa gently. "You're a good kid, Mana. Don't let Severus of all people distract you from that."

Manasa hummed, and Susan squeezed her hand. "She's right. You're a really good, really nice person, Mana. You've already helped me loads." She blushed a little bit, "And… can you help me with more in the future? You're really good at helping me."

Manasa beamed, "Of course. What are friends for?"

Dumbledore smiled and chuckled softly, "By the way, Miss MacKinnon - I believe Hufflepuff deserves fifty points. For a wonderful display of moral fiber, character, and standing up to injustice. I'd give more, but I wager you'll have Hufflepuff winning the cup on your own before the year is up. Most of our staff happen to quite like students who prove themselves to go above and beyond to help their friends."

Mum huffed, "Most of your staff aren't allegedly reformed Death Eaters, Albus." She scowled a bit, "I'm pretty sure he called Lily that blood slur in fifth year, too. Why she ever tolerated being friends with that clown, I'll never know."

Mana's shoulders sagged, "What if he hates me because he hates Lily and Jamie Potter? Does he hate me because he thinks I'm like them? Because he's… a bigot who just doesn't like me because of my birth parents?"

Mum closed her eyes for a moment as she squeezed Manasa close, "I wish I could say that wasn't the case… but it probably is, Mana. Severus has always been bitter and shallow. He's never truly cared about other people - just his own selfish worldviews." She sighed, then looked at Dumbledore. "You're sure I can't just abandon him in Hawaii and take over?"

Dumbledore sighed, "As convenient as that sounds, you may not. Part of the reason I keep Severus here is to prevent him from thinking he can resort to his old ways. As it stands, by the O.W.L. year he has less and less non-Slytherin students left, usually those who remain there do so because they can't afford tutors. Though perhaps limiting him to the N.E.W.T. level may be an option next year?" He smiled at Mum in a conspiratorial way.

She sighed, but smiled back, "Guess I'll have to make sure my Potions abilities are up to snuff. Good thing I know how to teach."

Susan smiled, "If Manasa's any measure? You definitely do. She's really good at just about everything."

Manasa blushed while Mum shrugged. "Part of it's her own genius, but a lot of it is just all the other teachers she's had. I'm not the only one who taught her." She ruffled Manasa's hair while the smaller girl sighed.

"Maybe we should leave. I bet the Headmaster's busy with paperwork," she commented, trying to change the subject.

Dumbledore chuckled, "Alas! And here I thought I could put it off for longer! Perhaps I can convince you to stay with some Lemon Drops?" When he proffered the bowl, Mum and Manasa couldn't help but laugh, and Susan joined them soon enough. It wasn't a bad end to the day at all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Kudos cheer on Mama MacKinnon while your Comments tell her to leave Snape in Australia next time.

Hawaii: https://discord.gg/w5k4TfFRGG

Next Chapter: A mystery (aka I don't know yet)