Chapter Text
The path away from fate is gradual, until the prophecy's whisper, and it plunges headlong into chaos.
A door creaked open slowly. Two lounge chairs faced a crackling fire, their cosy arrangement at odds with the chaos on the floor. An older man in long, elegant robes knelt, cradling an elderly woman. Her greying brown hair framed a face set in anguish, her striking purple eyes wide with terror as her body convulsed violently. Beside them, forgotten teacups lay shattered, their contents pooling on the floor.
Then, abruptly, she stilled. Her eyes flew open, and from her lips came a voice not her own—harsh, echoing, and otherworldly:
“One shall rise, the heir's soft glow,
A child of seven and one to know.
Their presence bright, their fate untold,
Destined to break a darkness old.Through eight long years of trials and strife,
They'll walk the edge ‘tween death and life.
When cursed paths converge as one,
The final reckoning shall be spun.The end reshaped, the night drawn after,
Led by those bonded beyond laughter.”
Her breath hitched as if breaking the surface of deep water. With a trembling hand, she raised a finger, pointing towards the doorway. The man followed her gaze, his expression stricken and unreadable.
On a crisp Friday afternoon, Jule Loes and her boyfriend, Russell Campbell, were setting the table for an early supper. The laughter of children floated through the open kitchen window.
“Momma!” a voice called urgently from the yard. “Come quick!”
Jule flung open the door and hurried onto the porch. She froze on the flagstone patio, her breath catching in her throat. Blinking twice, she strained to believe what she was seeing.
Perched on her daughter, Feilong’s, outstretched arm was a regal Long-Eared Owl. At her feet, a Gobstones game lay forgotten. Her siblings, Jazzy and Cooper, stood on either side of her, gently stroking the owl’s sleek feathers.
“Momma, look! It’s letting me pet it!” Jazzy exclaimed, his eyes alight with wonder.
Feilong remained motionless, mesmerised, as the owl lowered its head and extended a letter clutched in its beak. With deliberate care, she retrieved the envelope.
Jule stepped forward and gently transferred the owl to Cooper’s eager arms, then turned to Feilong with an encouraging nod.
With shaking fingers, Feilong broke the wax seal. Her eyes scanned the parchment once, then again. She lifted her gaze to her mother, who was watching her with a radiant, knowing smile.
Mum was yelling again.
Grimmauld Place groaned under the weight of Walburga Black’s fury, her shrill voice echoing through the dim, oppressive halls.
Sirius Black groaned too, rubbing his eyes. His nap was officially over. He swung his legs off the bed, stretched, and headed to his younger brother’s door, knocking twice.
Regulus cracked it open, his face equally groggy. “What now?” he murmured.
Before Sirius could respond, their mother’s voice bellowed again. “Sirius Orion Black! Get down here this instant!”
Regulus raised an eyebrow and mouthed, Good luck, before closing his door.
With a sigh, Sirius trudged down the staircase. In the parlour, Walburga sat rigidly, clutching a letter with his name on it. Her sharp gaze pinned him in place.
“You’re late,” she snapped. “Sit. We have matters to discuss.”
Outside the Potter home, Peter Pettigrew bounded up the porch steps and rapped on the door, his excitement barely contained.
“James! James!” he called.
From inside, James Potter thundered down the stairs, calling, “Coming!” over his shoulder. He threw open the door to find Peter grinning widely, clutching a letter.
“They’re here!” Peter gasped, holding up the envelope. “We’re in!”
James laughed, clapping Peter on the back. “Of course we are! Hogwarts, here we come!”
In a modest flat across town, Remus Lupin heard his mother’s gentle call.
“Remus, dear, we have a visitor.”
Remus Lupin made his way to the front of his family’s flat, passing his glaring uncle in the process. He walked cautiously to the foyer, his breath catching when he saw the tall, bearded figure in ornate robes.
Remus stopped in his tracks, “You’re- you’re Albus Dumbledore.”
The man chuckled, “ Professor Dumbledore to you, my boy.”
His parents shared a look and turned to Remus. Maybe he could actually go.
Each child, unaware of the others yet inextricably bound by fate, stood at the threshold of a journey that would shape their world—and alter the course of history forever.
25 08 1971
FEILONG
Feilong practically vibrated with excitement as the bus wound through cobblestone streets and alleyways, finally arriving at its destination. Her heart raced as they approached the Leaky Cauldron, each step quicker than the last. She couldn't wait to see what magic awaited her.
The moment they stepped into Diagon Alley, a cacophony of voices, laughter, and the hum of bustling crowds enveloped her. The vivid hues of shopfronts, each vying for attention, painted a picture unlike anything she'd ever seen.
She felt unstoppable, her mind racing with possibilities. All she saw was light. There’s no danger too great, no shadow dark enough to dim this light.
"This is amazing, Momma," Feilong breathed, eyes wide in wonder.
Her mother chuckled softly. "Come on, let's get your wand," she said, a warm smile lighting up her face. She guided Feilong toward Ollivander’s Wand Shop, her excitement palpable.
She could start believing now.
SIRIUS
He should be at Diagon Alley right now.
“The House of Black is a member of the Sacred 28. We do not go shopping for ourselves. House-elves handle such mundane tasks,” his mother had scoffed when he asked to go to Diagon Alley.
“But Mum, most of my peers will be there. It’s an opportunity to make connections,” Sirius had argued, his voice edging toward desperation.
His mother tsked, her lips curling into a disdainful sneer. “The sort travelling to Diagon Alley are beneath us, Sirius. Trust your mother. You’ll thank me one day.”
Now, Sirius sat alone, staring at the ornate ceiling of his room, his supply list untouched. He could only hope Kreacher would return with something remotely interesting—not just the standard stack of books.
He was still a kid after all.
REMUS
“Remus, keep up, boy. We only have so much time before we have to head back home.” His father called from over his shoulder.
Remus jogged to catch up, every joint aching from the aftermath of his last transformation. He was still recovering, but he was determined not to let his father see his weakness. So what? He was an eleven year old werewolf. Conventionality belongs to yesterday.
“Don’t we need to get my wand first?” Remus asked, his breath laboured.
His father sighed, a gruff edge to his voice. “I’ve business at Gringotts first. Your uncle’s been generous enough to fund your education despite your… condition. Make sure to thank him when we return.”
“And my wand? Aren’t we going to Ollivander’s?”
His father grunted, not meeting his eyes. “Your uncle’s crafted a wand for you. That’ll suffice. If it were up to me, you wouldn’t be going at all. Don’t forget that.”
Remus bit his lip, the weight of his father’s words sinking in as they entered the grand marble halls of Gringotts. He caught sight of two boys laughing as they tossed a Quaffle down the alley outside.
JAMES
“Pete! Toss it here!”
James Potter sprinted down the alley, Quaffle in hand. His glasses bounced against the bridge of his nose as he grinned ear to ear.
“James Fleamont Potter,” his mother called out, laughter in her voice, “are you two going to play all day, or will we actually get some shopping done?”
James grinned sheepishly, tucking the Quaffle under one arm. “Sorry, Mum! We’ll stop.”
His friend, Peter, frowned. “But James, we need to practise for tryouts!”
James shot him a look. “We’ve got loads to do before school starts. Besides, you don’t disrespect my parents.”
Peter sighed. “Sorry, Mr and Mrs Potter.”
Fleamont clapped Peter on the back. “It’s quite alright, son. Now, let’s get those supplies. Effie, shall we?”
“I can’t believe my Jamie is going to Hogwarts for the first time,” Euphemia sighed, brushing a stray curl from her face. “Monty, before we know it, he’ll be getting married!”
“Mum! I’m only eleven!” James laughed, his cheeks tinged pink.
Fleamont grinned and ruffled James’s already unruly hair. “That he is, Effie! Shall we get moving? We promised Emma and Tom we’d have Peter back by dinner.”
Effie smiled warmly. “Let’s get mo—”
Before she could finish, a regal-looking man with long, platinum blonde hair and a silver-handled cane bumped into her. His sharp, grey eyes glinted as he paused. “Ah, Mr and Mrs Potter. How have you been?”
A boy with shorter, equally striking platinum hair stood just behind him, his posture perfectly straight.
“Abraxas, it’s good to see you! We’ve been well, old friend.” Fleamont clapped the man on the shoulder. “Though you might want to be more careful around my Effie next time—she’s got a bad hip.”
Abraxas raised his chin slightly, brushing imaginary dust from his robes. “My apologies, Mrs Potter.”
Effie chuckled lightly. “Don’t worry one bit, Abraxas. I see Lucius is still in school.”
At the mention of his name, the younger Malfoy straightened even further, his expression stoic.
“Yes, he’s entering his final year,” Abraxas replied smoothly.
“You’ve raised such a polite young man, Braxy,” Fleamont said with a good-natured chuckle.
Abraxas inclined his head. “Yes, well. I assume these two are yours?” He gestured toward the boys.
Effie beamed and summoned James and Peter with a wave of her hand. “This is our son, James, and his dear friend, Peter.” She guided the boys forward. “Boys, say hello to Mr Malfoy. He’s an old friend of ours from Hogwarts.”
James confidently extended his hand. “Hello, Mr Malfoy. My name is James Potter.”
Abraxas glanced at the boy’s outstretched hand but lowered it with the tip of his cane. “A pleasure,” he said curtly, before turning his gaze to Peter.
James nudged Peter with his elbow, making him jump. “Hi! I’m Peter Pettigrew!” Peter blurted, his voice cracking slightly.
Lucius let out a soft, derisive laugh. “A bit skittish, aren’t we?”
Abraxas turned swiftly and struck the back of Lucius’s head with the end of his cane. Lucius flinched but said nothing, his face carefully neutral.
Just then, two young girls hurried past, one with bright red hair and the other with light brown. The brunette muttered under her breath, “Lily, you want to go to school with that?”
Effie clapped her hands together. “Boys! Why don’t you head to Flourish and Blotts to get your books? Monty and I will meet you at Ollivander’s for your wands.”
“Yes, Mum,” James said quickly, grabbing Peter’s arm. “Come on, Pete!” He pulled his friend away from the tension, dragging him toward the bookshop.
Once inside, Peter shot a glance back through the window at the Malfoys. “Why are they even here? Families like that usually send their house-elves to do the shopping.”
James shrugged, pulling out their school supply list. “No idea, Pete. Let’s just find these books. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for school.”
Peter made a face. “I’m ready to get away from home, but I’m not ready for school.”
“Come on, Pete!” James threw an arm around his friend’s shoulder. “This is it—the time, the place. Hogwarts is our destiny!”
Peter chuckled, letting himself be guided toward the shelves. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t damage your inner-eye with all that Quidditch.”
FEILONG
Outside, Feilong burst out of the Magical Menagerie, a golden cage in her hands. Inside, an Elf Owl blinked sleepily. “I think I’ll name her Frank!” she announced gleefully.
Her mother followed, smiling. “Frank is traditionally a man’s name, love. Are you sure?”
“Yes. Her name is Frank. Frankie for short,” Feilong said decisively, tilting her head up to meet her mother’s gaze.
Her mother chuckled. “Frank it is, then.” She glanced ahead, noticing a boy and his father quarrelling just outside Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
REMUS
Remus’s father leaned in, his voice low but firm. “I simply don’t believe this is the right year for you to start at Hogwarts. Your mother and I are seriously considering having you defer. Just one year, Remus. Until you’ve got it under control.”
Remus’s eyes widened, his fists clenching at his sides. “Father, Professor Dumbledore said everything—my condition—will be managed at Hogwarts. He practically promised. I need to go.”
“Son,” his father began, his tone softening, “this isn’t just about you. There’s that new Lord—what do they call him? Hold’Em Court ? He’s rising fast. This morning’s paper reported another massacre in Aranshire. That’s right across the lake from Hogwarts.”
“I’m going,” Remus said firmly, his voice resolute. “Hogwarts is the safest place there is. The paper says so all the time. Where else could I be safer?”
His father sighed deeply but didn’t respond.
SIRIUS
The clock ticked and ticked, each second dragging into eternity. Kreacher had left that morning, and Sirius had no idea when he’d return—or if he even wanted him to.
Sirius sighed, rubbing his temples. He was bone-tired. Exhausted by the endless charade, the suffocating rules, and the constant weight of expectations. His life felt like a stage play, every move calculated, every expression scrutinised.
But beneath it all, he was unravelling.
What am I even doing here? he thought bitterly.
The grandeur of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black only amplified the loneliness. It was a cold, hollow kind of existence—one that even the grandest of rooms and finest of silks couldn’t fill.
And Sirius was tired of pretending it could.
FEILONG
Feilong followed her mother down Diagon Alley, her eyes wide with wonder. She smiled to herself, mentally capturing every detail of her new favourite outdoor shopping mall. Wizards, witches, and elves filled the cobbled streets, their robes swirling in the breeze. She caught sight of a man in his thirties escorting a young woman with curly black hair into a shadowy alley. They were clearly courting, their whispered conversation fading as they disappeared from view.
As Feilong’s gaze wandered, she noticed a girl with a neat bob and bangs stumble, her belongings scattering across the stone pavement. Without hesitation, Feilong darted over to help.
“Thank you! I’m so clumsy,” the girl said, her cheeks flushing as she crouched to gather her books.
Feilong grinned. “Of course! Honestly, I’m surprised more people don’t trip—especially with these long robes everyone’s wearing.”
The girl laughed as they stood, brushing off her skirt. “Hi, I’m Alice!”
“I’m Feilong.” She glanced at one of the books she was handing back. “Hey, I just bought this one. Are you starting at Hogwarts too?”
Alice’s face lit up with a bright smile. “Not quite! I’m going into my second year. But I’m still just as excited.”
“Same here! You’ve probably guessed, but I’m American. This is my first time travelling outside the country, and now I get to go to school in Europe!” Feilong’s enthusiasm was infectious.
Alice tilted her head slightly. “Your accent is beautiful—I picked up on it right away. Hey, maybe we can meet up on the platform? We could sit together on the train.”
“I’d love that!” Feilong said, beaming.
Before they could continue, a tall man with long blonde hair brushed past Alice, knocking her books out of her hands again.
“Oh! I’m so sorry,” Alice said, bending down to retrieve them.
“Let me help you with that,” the man offered, his voice smooth and polite.
“Thank you, sir,” Alice said, her smile polite as she and Feilong crouched again.
As they gathered the books, Feilong noticed a leather-bound one with a blank cover. She handed it to Alice, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “I like journaling too. Helps me keep my thoughts straight.”
Alice blinked, her smile softening. “It’s not mine, actually…” she said, glancing briefly at the man before tucking the book under her arm.
Feilong’s mother called from outside the Leaky Cauldron. “Feilong! Time to go.”
Feilong straightened, giving Alice a quick smile. “I’ll see you in a few days!”
Alice grinned. “We’ve got a whole year to explore Hogwarts. Go on, spend time with your mum. Family’s the most important thing.”
Feilong nodded, her heart swelling with excitement as she jogged back to her mother.
Her mother gave her a knowing smile. “Made a new friend already?”
Feilong’s face glowed with anticipation. “Momma, I’m so excited! I just know Hogwarts is going to be amazing. My life is about to change!”
Her mother chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. “It certainly will, my love.”