BUCKET WANDS
The FINAL Harry Potter / Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Bucket Wands
Bucket Wands was just a small unassuming shop on the high right side of the main street in Hogsmeade. It's simple cherry wood finish, and old style oval sign that hung out ninety degrees from the building by iron brackets, allowed it to blend in as easily as any of the other boring little shops in the area. Of course there was one thing. On the sign was a large wand that seemed to hang magically from just below the world wands! Below that was a brass bucket that bobbed in the air back and forth along the length of the sign. When the bucket stopped under the wands tip, the wand cast LUMOS, the light dropping down into the bucket. The bucket then bobbed back over to the door or the window display and dumped out to highlight the shop!
Most witches and wizards that first came to the shop either came out of curiosity to see this new design of wand that didn't choose it's witch or wizard but rather the other way around? PREPOSTEROUS!!! However, as this upstart Sasporilla Bucket had understudied with the great Olivander himself and got her Masters in wand design at the university of Avalon with Professor Splatterpalette ... well ... they would at least have a look.
Then word of mouth about the quality and power of her wands spread. The best part was, if you wanted hand crafted, they did those too! Not only Bucket but Olivander! Zevon! Gobdrander & Flywich! Booghalter, Rugvenhiem, Chow Xi Chen, Kymm Gwyt and Dykumm! All the big names and slew of smaller ones! Sasporilla Bucket had bought up all the shops going out of business because of her and gave the owners and their elves jobs as wand makers in her shops. They could still craft their wands under their names, get a salary and make a commission! It was a great deal. Of course there was one great caveat. Their classic creature part derived cores like dragon heart strings and unicorn hair may only be naturally and ethically sourced under approved elven supervision. The creature MUST have donated of itself willingly otherwise the core could not be used in a wand sold at BUCKET'S!!!
Originally Sassy had quite an ethical conundrum when it came to the back stock of these old wands. The cores were gained by poachers. Great beasts and creatures killed for tiny bits for the purposes of wands & potions! When she bought the lot Sasporilla Bucket debated destroying them all! This brought joy and outrage in a split between people she knew.It was the calm insistent slap to the back of her pink haired head from Professor Splatterpalette that caught her attention.
"Sasporilla you know how much I adore you?" The professor smiled?
"Yes of course professor?" Sassy said rubbing her head.
"Then WHAT THE %#@#% ARE YOU THINKING!???!!! IS YOUR HEAD FULL OF ROCKS??? FOR ^$#*?*%$ SAKES!!!! YOU STUPID :"#%_^^^^$/&*:GIRL!!!!!" Professor Splatterpalette yelled.
Sasporilla's eyes widened.
Taking a deep breath the professor smiled and took her favourite graduates hands. "My dear. To destroy the cores will require you to destroy the wands. To destroy the wands is to destroy decades of art by dozens of craftsmen and women. Not to mention, to destroy them means the beasts who gave their lives for those cores will have died for NOTHING!!!"
Sasporilla stared blankly for a moment as she pondered the logic of the argument as well as the surprise of the source of logic!
"You're absolutely right." Sasporilla agreed. "but it's a practice I can't allow to continue. I have an idea..."
That was how the ethically sourced wand movement in old wand style design was born amongst wand designers. Of course many young designers also saw the wisdom and advantage of the Bucket wand core design. Sassy had a brilliant idea. Up and coming wand designers should not suffer as older ones had. Stuck in their ways, refusing to change. Those who wanted to incorporate the Bucket core in their wands were welcome to it and their systems in their shops! For a fee of course but not an outrageous one! More for an agreement that they would properly employ the required amount of worker and weaver elves to properly handle and process the core and wand parts. The proof of mistreatment of workers or breaking of the contract with Bucket Wands in any way instantly and magically had the system removed from their shop! Unfortunately it happened more than once to greedy mean young wand makers.
Sasporilla's shop was, as many magical shops are, much bigger on the inside. A long counter series of counters each had a grip tester for assessing ones wand needs. The one designed by Sassy and Angelo through magic and science to show how the witch or wizard harmonically interacts with the fabric of magic. The elven weavers below weave a magical wand core for the wand. The grip tester determines your choices of woods, shapes, metals, gems, that can be included in your wand. The rolling case was filled with rolling racks of wand choices and the only thing effecting ones choice and availability was price.
Of course, there were options for children who could not afford the wands they required. There was always money set aside both from the shop and private donors to make sure no child went without the wand they needed!
Each wand was custom made on site that day and the core inserted. When it popped up on a small pedestal behind the sales person it had a small smoky illumination that was purely for effect but always brought a giggle or a gasp. The boxed wand was opened by the sales person, the top placed below the bottom, the wand revealed to be sitting in a wonderful velvet or satin lined form fitting bed. A wonder to behold.
***********************
It was the last few days of August and in Hogsmeade that meant all the children coming to Hogwarts and their families would be descending on the town to buy the last of their school supplies. The one thing Bucket wands had done was put a strain on Diagon Alley! Even though they bought the old Olivander's four years ago, but a lot of people liked to come to the original shop to say hello to the Pink haired witch.
Sasporilla never worried that the shop would open on time. The shop would be clean, everything would be in place and everything in order, Rimpolli would see to that.
"Breakfast is ready Bucket family!" Mabel called. "Come and get it before I feed it to Bijou!"
Bijou was the dog the children had talked Sassy and Angelo into getting them from Hagrid when one of the local dogs had puppies. Apparently Fang was the father and Hagrid felt somewhat responsible fer findin them puppies good homes!
Bijou, a floppy all skin and paws big headed black and tan mutt slid into the kitchen, Sassy's twins fast behind him laughing excitedly.
Lyra Karry Wysteria Janey Lazerus was your basic young eleven year old witch, born with fire engine red hair and an anarchistic attitude that would have put the Sex Pistols to shame. To this day Angelo swears Lyra put a spell on the girl that transferred part of the woman into her. Of course Sassy dismissed his fear as their daughter had a normal size behind.
Garrick Myron Riddonkulous Korry Lazerus on the other hand was quite a businessman. This was obviously a Lazerus family trait that was past down. Of course the other trait passed down to him from his muggle bloodline was he seemed to be a Squibb. Not a sign of magical ability. A nice young man never the less that most would describe as exceptionally average.
Bijou crashed into the cupboard doors nearly missing Mabel as she levitated the plates to the table.
"Keep that furry monster under control or I'll put him out!" Mabel yelled.
"Wooooo hmmmmmm" Bijou wined.
"Oh you big suck you know I love you!" The house elf smiled reaching up to rub his ears.
Bijou smiled and gave Mabel a big lick up the side of her face.
"You asked for it Mabel!" Garrik laughed.
They sat at the table and started shoveling food into their faces like they were in an eating contest.
"Slow down you two!" Angelo insisted walking into the kitchen. You'll make yourself sick!"
"Dab!" Lyra said pancake, scrambled egg and bacon hanging precariously in her open mouth. "Kooday is ar elevenf birfday!"
"Close your mouth when you eat Lyra for heavens sake!" Sasporilla said entering the kitchen and kissing her children on the top of the head. "And do not talk with your mouth full please! It's not polite."
"I'm not polite!" Lyra laughed her mouth open full of food, her eyes crossed and a French toast strip up each nose!
Garrick laughed so hard he nasal rinsed his pumpkin juice out both his nostrils.
"That's it you two." Sassy said trying very hard not to laugh. "Breakfast is over for you two. I do hope you got enough to eat. Now go get ready, you have a big day ahead of you."
The twins lowered their heads and apologized as they walked sadly out of the kitchen. Bijou sat there confused. Was he in trouble too? Was he getting the left over food? What was the deal here?
"Weren't you a bit hard on them?" Angelo said putting his hands on Sassy's waist.
"That girl is a handful." Sasporilla sighed looking at Angelo and giving him a kiss. "I have to keep her in line some times. Look at this mess?"
"I'll clean it up, Ms. Sasporilla." Mabel said.
"I think the twins should clean this mess up." Angelo said.
"Normally I'd agree," Sasporilla said snapping her fingers and clearing the table of the mess with the exception of a few bits of food that accidentally fell to the floor for Bijou. "but I need the twins to come with me to the shop today."
"What do you think his chances are?" Angelo asked.
"50/50." Sasporilla sighed. "He is or he isn't. Only the grip tester will tell."
Garrick being a squibb was not a big deal in the Lazerus house hold. Sassy and Angelo would have no one made fun of, or thought less of, for any reason in their home. This was a quality they tried to ingrain in the twins. One they had no control over outside of the home but Sassy was a voice in Hogsmeade that people listened to. Many old ideals had changed since the arrival of Sasporilla Bucket in Hogsmeade.
In the shop squibb's were often brought in nervously by parents to be tested on the wand grip. Even the lowest amount of magical energy could be registered in the grip test and wand created! This was always an Earth shakingly exciting day for a young witch or wizard thought to have no magical ability! However, for those whom the grip registered no magical ability, their worlds sometimes came crashing down.
It was not long after the shop had first opened that Sasporilla got quite a surprise customer. The oldest squibb the shop had ever had visit. Mr.Filch the caretaker of Hogwarts.
"Mr.Filch!" Sasporilla smiled as she sidled up to him. "Welcome to Bucket Wands. I am so very happy to see you! How can I help you today?"
It was very clear he was nervous and embarrassed. "I... I..." the old man muttered quietly, "I'd like a test to see if I can get a wand?"
"Of course." Sasporilla said quietly like it was their secret. "Step this way."
Sassy walked the old man over to the grip on the counter.
"What do I do?" Filch hissed and sneered in his grumpy old manner.
"Grab the grip" Sasporilla said. "The read out will tell us your results."
"Hmmff." Filch nodded reluctantly grabbing hold of the grip.
Sasporilla pointed to the read out. Old Filchy brought out his reading glasses from his coat pocket and squinted at the read out. It showed a number he didn't under stand.
"What does that rubbish mean?" Filch snapped.
"It's not a bunch of zeros." Sasporilla said. "It's not a needle buried in the no zone! Mr.Filch, you do have magical ability! We can build you a wand."
"I'm not a squibb?" The man shuddered.
"Nope." Sassy smiled.
"I'M NOT A SQUIBB!!!" Mr.Filch cheered.
"I'm very happy for you sir." Sassy smiled, a tear welling in her eye. "Step over here and we'll fix you up with a wand."
Mr.Argus Filch's wand was eleven and a half inch zebra wood wand. The handle wood loosely braided showing the glowing elven weave core. When it was presented to Mr.Filch he was warned it would give his palm a slight... pinch. That was the spell making the wand his. Unusable by anyone else for eternity! Filch held the wand with tears in his eyes. It felt so good. So natural. How many years could he have spent being the wizard he had been meant to be if only... if only....
"How do you like it Mr.Filch?"; Sasporilla asked from behind the counter.
"I always said." Old Filchy grumbled. "That if someone, some how could make me a Wizard, there would be a spell I would try out. You see, I watched and I learned while all the nasty little brats laughed at me and called me squibb. Well this is my revenge..."
Wands were drawn all over the shop by everyone. Everyone except Sasporilla Bucket.
"INCANTO FLORIDIUM!" Mr.Filch cast.
Flowers filled the walls and floor. A lovely bouquet dropped into Sasporilla's arms.
"I always swore I'd shower the witch who made me wizard with flowers."
Thank you so much Mr.Filch." Sasporilla smiled sniffing the lovely Violets and Irises. "But What if it had been a wizard?"
"I'd have bought him drink!" Mr.Filch said his face almost breaking as he half smiled, paid for his wand and left the shop.
"Weren't you afraid that old buzzard was going to cast a curse on you?" A customer asked putting away their wand.
"No." Sassy smiled. "Though I always hope for the best in people, as Mr.Filch proved to you all today he is more than capable of, everyone in my shop is protected from any harm. No one can cause magical nor physical harm to anyone in here."
***************************
It was just a quarter to nine a.m. when Sasporilla and the twins came in through the shops back door.
"Good morning everyone!" Sasporilla called cheerily through out the shop.
"Good Morning Mrs." The staff smiled getting themselves ready for the front doors to open and the rush to start. A few people were looking in the shop window and checking the time but they had a few moments to themselves before the rush.
"Ok you two." Sasporilla smiled encouragingly. "It's time."
She shuffled them over to the grip tester.
"Ok Lyra you first!" Sasporilla said.
A few of the shop workers gathered to watch as the young woman bravely grabbed the grip which instantly registered her as a very powerful witch. Nearly off the chart!
"You have a pretty wide range of woods you can use but it says you must incorporate Amethyst, silver and gold."
"Cool." Lyra smiled.
"You know how the cases work. "Sassy pointed. "Go ahead!"
"I want to watch Garrick!" Lyra smiled.
"Of course." Sassy smiled putting her hands gently on the shoulders of her trepidacious son.
Garrick stepped up and grabbed the grip without hesitation. The machine rolled and whirred. 000.000.....00...1.
"Is that the lowest score you've ever seen?" Lyra asked.
"What does that mean mum?" Garrick asked.
Sassy let out a deep sigh of relief throwing her head back and laughed. "It means, No that is NOT the lowest score I've seen in the shop. It means yes my dear son you do have magical powers but not like your sister. I won't be making your first wand. Rimpolli walked up to the counter with a box. He handed it to the boy inside was the oddest wand Garrick had ever seen.
"10 & 3/4 Butterfly wood & Brass knobby handle. Basilisk Fang & Phoenix tear core. The wand is known as conflicator and can only be wielded by an Elf Blood witch or wizard learning their craft." Sassy said.
"Me?" Garrick smiled picking up the wand, feeling the rush of power run through him and the wand.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. They turned to see Headmaster McGonagall at the front door of the shop 2 fresh Hogwarts letters in her hands. Rimpolli opened the door as everyone poured in.
"Sasporilla." Headmistress McGonagall smiled.
"Minerva, how have you been?" Sassy asked.
"Getting tired dear." The Headmistress sighed. "I'll soon retire and they'll no see the back of me for my speed going!"
"Oh please!" Sassy laughed. "You'll be there for decades yet. What brings you today?"
"Now don't play coy dear." Minerva McGonagall smiled. "It was never your strong suit. Your children have finally qualified for Hogwarts letters. Here they are. How do you want to handle the boy?"
"Full kitchens and laundry!" Sassy smiled. "All the elven exposure he can get."
"But he knows you have money?" Minerva said.
"I'll tell him out right it's part of his special training as an elf blood." Sassy said. "I did it, he'll have to do it. Like it or not."
"Glad your not my mother." The Head Mistress chuckled. "You are one tough cookie! Good day."
"Good day Head Mistress." Sasporilla waved.
"Ok Lyra, Garrick," Sassy smiled excitedly, "your Hogwarts letters are here with just two days to spare. You know what that means. We'll have to take you shopping."
************************
Lyra's wand was twelve inch cherry and bloodwood intertwined with an elven weave core using an amethyst as a point of balance between caster and spell cast. The gold and silver filigree in the notched crooked soft spiral design. She couldn't help but look at it while her mom got the first year books from Tomes and Scrolls.
"Quit staring at your stupid wand!" Garrick said shoving his sister.
"Quit it Butt-lick." Lyra said shoving back. "It's not my fault you got the weird wizard wand!"
"Shut up." Garrick huffed.
"And it's not my fault your in the 'special' class at Hogwarts!" Lyra teased "You should be happy you're going at all!"
"SHUT UP!" Garrick yelled. He was clearly angry now.
"WHAT... is... going .... on over here?" Sasporilla demanded of both silent children. "Lyra Karry Wysteria Janey Lazerus?
Garrick Myron Riddonkulous Korry Lazerus? Hhhmmmmm? Either of you want to tell me why you're acting like five year olds in public? Shall I give you spanking like five year olds? Send you to bed without supper?"
"Well we didn't eat much for breakfast..." Lyra mumbled.
"Young lady you are treading on my last nerve for today!!!" Sasporilla said grabbing her darling daughter by the ear.
"I started it mum." Garrick said. "It's not Lyra's fault. I was making fun of her."
"I see." Sassy said grabbing hold of Garrick's ear. "Young Mr.Lazerous, you can carry all of these packages... books and all... home. Lyra make sure he gets home safe and sound. I have your shopping to finish up."
"Mum," Lyra started to say but her mother wanted to here nothing more from either of them.
"When you get home help Mabel make the lunch and set the table. Make sure you both get enough. Have her send me a bit down to the shop. Savvy?" Sassy instructed them.
Lyra nodded and ran off after Garrick.
"Why did you do that?" Lyra asked as she took half the load from her over burdened brother.
"I did it because mom was really mad this time." Garrick said. "We made her angry but you REALLY TICKED HER OFF! I had to do something. I mean... you're my sister. I kind of like you MUG."
"I tolerate you BUG." Lyra laughed sticking her tongue out at her brother and running off ahead.
"Why do I bother?" Garrick chuckled rolling his eyes.
*****************************
The shop was bustling when Sasporilla walked in. She expected nothing less for this time of year but was pleasantly surprised at some of the faces she saw. Sasporilla put the packages away and cast her shawl up onto the rack as she stepped up to the counter.
"May I help who was next please?" Sassy smiled.
"Oh my yes." A young dark haired mother said as she turned and ushered her children forward. "Sasporilla, oh my!"
"Oh!" Sassy gasped remembering the young woman from her coronation as Witch Queen. "Lilia! You were that wonderful young reporter that interviewed me!!!"
"I can't believe you remember me." Lilia said. "Let alone my name?"
"Only people I think are nice." Sasporilla smiled. "What can I do for you for you today? A wand obviously, I mean."
"Wands plural." Lilia said. "Marianna my little Griffyndor Broke her wand this summer over the head of a young man she doesn't like who tried to steal a kiss..."
"Mo-m!" Marianna protested.
"... and my little man Anthony needs his first wand. He got his Hogwarts letter this summer."
"Well let's get you all set up then!!!" Sasporilla smiled.
The children took the grip and found their wand types and sizes. Now it was just a question of woods and styles they had to choose from. They had no end of fun mixing and matching bits and parts through the rolling cabinets.
"Sasporilla." Lilia said leaning in. "I am on a bit of a budget so if the children pick anything to outrageous, please tell them that the part is out of stock?"
"Or how about we just make sure what ever wands they make today are affordable for you Lilia?" Sassy smiled. "It's the Bucket way. No one pays what they can't afford and no one goes without. Remember just where I came from."
"Thank you." Lilia smiled.
"We have plenty of galleons floating around here from donations and other spots. This ones on me," Sassy smiled back, "for your kindness to me that day."
Anthony's wand was made of a black Koa wood with snake embellishments. Marianna's new wand wad also black but charred ebony with steel core and silver inlay. Quite pretty and sturdy enough to bang a boy on the head with and not snap in two like her previous wand. The price for both was actually very economical and well within Lilia's budget.
Sassy never liked that look on the children’s face when they felt that pinch, but to know no other witch or wizard could ever take or use there wand against them, was worth it. All Bucket wands were attached to there users and anyone else would be blown back if they tried to use them.
Lilia and the children smiled as they took their bag of wands to go.
"Remember to look for my two at Hogwarts!" Sassy called after them. "Lyra and Garrick! It will be their first year as well!"
Wizards and witches mulled around the shop. Faces blurring past as one was served after another. Then a face step forward that Sasporilla recognized. A Hufflepuff boy who was a year ahead of her named Lee. Strangely enough he was not only very good at potions but was enjoyed the class and liked Professor Snape!
"Can I help you Lee?" Sasporilla asked.
"Um well yes of course." Lee said. "You're Sasporilla Bucket aren't you? The owner of these shops?"
"Yes." Sasporilla smiled. "As well as the designer of most of these wands and co-designer of the wand core system we use. I am also a Hufflepuff that was a year behind you at Hogwarts."
Lee searched his memory. Something clicked in his mind. His eyes widened.
"The little girl with pink hair that hung around the weird trouble maker with red hair and stinky troll girl?"
"Lyra and Janey." Sasporilla stiffened. "Yes. My best friend that year and that stinky half troll girl was the bravest girl who died at the battle of Hogwarts!"
"No!!!" Lee said wide-eyed. "I meant no offence. My adult mind that knows better went back to my second year idiot mind that didn't. I do apologize if I've offended you."
"No Lee of course not." Sassy smiled reassuringly.
"Actually I was always rather jealous of you all." Lee said
"Of us?" Sassy asked "The weird first years?"
"Yes. I mean no! I mean.." Lee stumbled and Sassy put her hands over her mouth to hide her lip bitten giggle. "What I mean is I was a misfit just like you guys. Only I had no one. I just didn't fit in. I was alone. That's why I clung to Professor Snape I guess. He reminded me of my grand father in so many ways."
"Lee!" Sasporilla gasped so surprised. "I remember everyone liking you! A few of the girls even had crushes on you!"
Lee stood there mouth hanging open. "Well. This is information I wish I'd had when I was a teenager!"
The pair of them started to laugh heartily like the oldest of old friends.
"Now let's start again," Sassy said, "how can I help you today?"
"Wands for my two children Fin and Sophia." Lee smiled.
"That is just what we're here for!" Sassy smiled.
"Sophia needs her first wand as this will be her first year at Hogwarts." Lee smiled.
"Congratulations young lady." Sasporilla said.
"And my dear daughter refuses to use her Grandmothers antique Olivander wand." Lee rolled his eyes.
"I learned how it tears apart the fabric of magic." Sophia said. "It makes me sick. I want an Elven weave core that the fabric of magic flows through! It's more environmentally friendly."
"She is quite the environmentalist." Lee smiled proudly.
"It's a thing to be proud of." Sasporilla smiled.
"My young man Fin had his wand taken from him in a back alley duel." Lee frowned.
"Dad", Fin through his hands up for the 10th time, "Josh and I had no choice. They were Broomers and they weren't taking NO for an answer!"
"Really?" Sassy frowned. "Where was this? I can send Auror friends of mine to put a stop to them."
"The alley by the barrel which leads down to Knockturn Alley." Fin said.
"Where you shouldn't… be hanging… around!!!!" Lee said in a low harsh tone, which was frighteningly reminiscent of professor Snape.
"I'll talk to people about it and have them... dealt with." Sasporilla assured them. "Now step up and let's get you some wands shall we?"
"Yes please!" All three of them said.
Fin's wand was close to a full fourteen inches long and resembled in many ways a jousting lance. It's long tapered front widened just before the handle giving it that lance effect. Made from Cherry wood and Rose wood the unique wand had rose quartz in its handle.
Sofia's wand was wand was Hickory and Poplar, length twelve and seven eighth inches. It had a Turned handle but a very natural wand end. An inlay of emerald green vines and leaves flowed up the wand from end to tip.
Both kids were ecstatic with their new wands and dad with the price. Bucket wands, unless custom hand made, really were half the price of old style wands. Even with modern day inflation.
Lee had the broadest smile she had ever seen on a Hufflepuff. This was the part of the job that makes it all worth while. Waving good-bye to them Sasporilla moved on to the next customer and the next....
*****************************
Lyra and Garrick did not understand why their mother made them come to London the night before school? They got to stay in the most prestigious and coveted hotel on Diagon Alley, The Golden Goose Hotel. There were only two suites and they had to be booked years in advance. The chances of being bounced from your reservation for someone more important was rare, as only the truly important celebrated witches and wizards were allowed to stay here... until today.
Apparently this was the final day of the hotels exclusivity. It had been bought and was about to be renovated to hold many guests of all types. Much to the expressed vitriol of some of the long term employees who were about to change or retire.
After a great restful night sleep Sasporilla made sure the children had all of there things together.
"You have your chests?" Sassy asked.
"Yes mother." The twins answered rolling their eyes.
"You've got your carry on bags?" Sassy asked checking her own things.
"Yes mother."
"Lyra, where is your owl?" Sassy asked.
"Heidi is right here mother!" Lyra said suddenly lifting the small cage on her far-left side. The poor young elf owl was visibly shaken. Small fluffy pinfeathers wafted about as it let out a hoot.
"And you have Bijou Garrick?" Sassy asked.
"Yes mum but why do we have to bring all of this with us and the animals? Are you leaving dad? Are we running away to some private island? Or Avalon? Are we going to live in the castle."
"You really are thick aren't you bug?" Lyra sneered.
"Shut it MUG!" Garrick snapped.
"Enough of that you two." Sassy insisted. "We have to get to Kings cross Station. Come on now."
"Kings Cross Station?" Garrick asked. "We came all the way here just to take the train home?"
"Not just any train guys," Sassy smiled pulling their tickets from her handbag, "The Hogwarts Express!"
"Yay!" Lyra fiend excitement then gave a thumbs down and blew a raspberry. "Big deal. A train full of snot nosed Melvin’s all heading to school singing school spirit songs."
"Lyra Karry Wysteria Janey Lazerus!" Sasporilla gasped. "Pull back the reigns on that attitude! This ride is a pivotal part of the Hogwarts experience. You may meet other kids on the ride there that become your best friends for life!"
"Like aunt Karry and uncle Zac?" Garrick asked.
"Exactly." Sasporilla said tapping the tip of his nose.
"If I just let you meet the students at the platform or at school, I would rob you of all that. I just can't, in my heart, do that to the two of you." Sasporilla said. "Do you understand."
"I love you mom." Garrick said hugging his mother.
"Lyra?" Sassy asked.
"Yes mom I get it." The girl said throwing back her head in defeat. "Your a sappy nostalgic old lady but I love you."
Lyra hugged her mother and Sassy kissed both her children on top of the head.
"You're ground for a hundred and eighty years for that old lady crack Lyra."
"Ya ya." Lyra said hugging tighter. "Put it on my tab."
*********************
There were a few magical families at Kings Cross Station when the Buckets arrived. It was funny how muggles just didn't seem to see them with their trolleys of chests and bags, an owl cage and eight-month-old huge dog.
Lyra needed no prodding when it came to running through the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Honestly she always wondered if she'd hit anyone on the other side? No such luck.
Garrick was a tad nervous.
"I'll run and push with you." Sassy smiled. "On the count of three. One, two, three!!!"
Mother and son ran the cart, Bijou flopping along behind, as they ran through onto platform nine and three quarters.
Sasporilla took a moment to speak with a few of the moms who recognized her from the shop. She blamed herself for not paying attention to what was going on around her.
Worker elf porters’ gladly took trolleys to the help load baggage on the train. Lyra let her owl Heidi be loaded with baggage but Garrick absolutely refused to let anyone put Bijou in with the bags.
"No!" Garrick yelled holding Bijou's leash as an elderly porter pulled on the dog’s collar.
'Wofk!' Bijou half barked half choked.
"What is going on?" Sasporilla demanded. "Unhand my sons dog immediately!"
"Your SON was attempting to take this ANIMAL onto the train. It is NOT PERMITED."
Sasporilla pulled a letter from her pocket book. "This is a letter from Headmistress McGonagall. This ANIMAL has been APPROVED by HOGWARTS as his animal OF CHOICE over and above a cat, rat, frog or owl."
"I don't care if the..." the old man stopped and looked at the pink haired witch for a moment. "Pink... hair... THE MONKEY!"
Sasporilla realized this old fellow was the same train worker that gave her such a hard time all those many years ago.
"Yes." Sassy nodded. "I was the pink haired little girl with a monkey. Are you the man who didn't want me to take her on the train?"
"Yes!" The old man hissed. "It was against the rules. I don't care who you are or what pull you have! IT'S AGAINST THE RULES!!!"
"I understand." Sasporilla said. "Give Bijou to me son."
"But mom!" Garrick gasped surprised.
"No." Sassy said. "Rules are rules. I will bring Bijou back with me and meet you on the platform with him when you arrive. When the school asks why I'll explain it to the school. No one, is above the rules."
The old man looked at the pink haired witch in amazement. "You're not going to fight or cry or threaten?"
"Nope." Sasporilla said shaking her head. "When I was here as a kid I was happy to have people who fought for me because I was a poor child from Essex that really never known anyone ever fought for her in her life. Now me and mine have it all. Including love and self-respect. If it what it takes to make another person, like you happy, is to simply do the right thing and follow the rules properly? Then that is just what the Buckets will do!"
"Right." The old man nodded. "Go on then son, get on board."
"Where is Lyra?" Sassy asked getting a hug and a kiss from her son.
The boy looked around and pointed down the platform. Lyra was talking with some Hogwarts Griffyndor Quidditch fans. She was doing tricks with a quaffle that would make any pro take notice.
"Wow kid." One of the Griffyndor’s said. "I'd say you should try out for the team but first years aren’t allowed."
"Unless there exceptional." Sassy said coming up with Bijou and Garrick. "Harry Potter was taken in first year as Griffyndor seeker. Come on Lyra, time to stop showing off and get on the train with your brother."
"See ya Lyra!" The Griffyndor’s waved.
"Way to embarrass me mom!" Lyra protested.
"Oh I can do so much better!!!" Sassy said bending down bear hugging her daughter and smothering her face in kisses.
Garrick almost wet himself laughing until they both turned on him!!! Even Bijou joined in and his kisses were the gooiest and the sloppiest!!!
Sasporilla hated to let them go, but she rushed her children up the step and into the Hogwarts Express train car.
******************************
Everyone rushed through the train. Checking the cars for friends or for at the very least free space. A group of pushy fourth year Ravenclaw’s shoved past Marianna and Anthony as they looked for a car.
"Excuse you!" Marianna said.
"Jerks." Anthony muttered straitening himself.
"Never mind them." Marianna said. "Those three think they're special as they have the highest grades in school."
The next car had only two young, obviously first years in it. Marianna slid open the door and asked "Room for more?"
"Of course!" Garrick smiled enthusiastically as Anthony stepped in and sat down.
"Hold on a second please Marianna." A voice said.
"Fin." Marianna smiled seeing her houses head boy already dressed in house robes. "What's up?"
"I need to speak to you about a couple of things that concern Griffyndor house this year. In confidence if we might?"
"Ummm yes of course." Marianna said hesitantly. She never liked clandestine meetings but if Fin needed to meet it must be important.
"Hi." Garrick smiled holding out his hand to the new boy. "I'm Garrick. Garrick Lazerus."
"I'm Anthony." The boy smiled shaking his hand. "Anthony Spanguolo."
"Nice to meet you Anthony." Garrick said. "This is my sister Lyra."
"Hello." Anthony smiled.
Lyra blew a large red bubble from her bubblegum. She popped it out on her finger and stuck it on the end of her brothers nose. "Nice to meet'cha Tony. I was named after the Goddess of anarchy."
Lyra stood dramatically "I am chaos incarnate!" Then suddenly bent into Anthony's face her wand drawn and pointed at her brother. BOO she said as she poked the bubble gum with a loud POP! Making both boys jump and Lyra laugh insanely.
Anthony clearly questioned his choice of seating and whether or not he could catch up with his sister.
Lyra took her gum and popped it back in her mouth. "Still eighty eight days of flavour left in this one."
"Don't mind her." Garrick said. "Mug likes to think she's funny, but sometimes she's just weird!"
"Ok." Anthony gulped.
"Weird?" Lyra said. "Speak for yourself Bug."
"Mug and Bug." Anthony said. "Is that what you call each other?"
"Amongst other things." Lyra laughed. "Once I called him a moth-"
"Lyra!!!" Garrick gasped. "And got us both grounded for three weeks thank you very much."
"Only because you called me a mean spirited bi..." Lyra started but the car door slid open.
"It looks as though you are all first years." A seventh year Slytherin Girl said. "I'm Layla the Slytherin Head Girl. I would appreciate any and all assistance in passing the message to my house that I expect everyone in full uniform and robes upon arrival."
"Will do." Anthony smiled.
Garric nodded, Lyra just thumped her head into the window.
"Thanks much." Layla smiled. "Good luck on your sorting. Hoping to see some of you in Slytherin."
The Slytherin head girl walked on down the corridor out of sight.
"Well she seemed nice." Anthony said. "For a Slytherin I mean."
"Not all Slytherin's are bad." Lyra sighed. "Our uncle Zac was Slytherin and he is a sweet kitten. His wife is a Hufflepuff like our mom and smart as A Ravenclaw and braver than any Griffyndor. Your sort really doesn't matter. Just don't let it change who you are for the worse, only for the better."
Anthony sat there gob-smacked. "Who are you?"
"Goddess of chaos baby?" Lyra laughed and popped another bubble.
A young blonde girl, another first year, stuck her head in the open door. "Excuse me but have you seen my brother? He's an older Griffyndor. His name is Fin???"
"Yes." Garrick said.
"He took my sister Marianna away to speak about something." Anthony said.
"Wonderful." The young lady sighed. "Well then may I sit with you? He's left me behind and I wanted some money for the trolley. Guess that's out."
"Can I ask you a question Fin's sister?" Lyra said leaning forward gently taking the young ladies hands.
"Yes." She answered.
"WHAT'S YOUR NAME!!!!" Lyra yelled scaring her and making the boys jump.
"What the he..." the girl said out of breath. "What is wrong with you?"
"Goddess of chaos." The two boys said flatly.
"Sofia!" The girl yelled back. " My name is Sofia.
"Hi Sofia! I'm Lyra!" Lyra said leaping forward giving the girl a big hug. "I hope we can be friends and have sleepovers, listen to music, talk all night... we'll be great friends!!!"
"Is she mentally ill?" Anthony asked.
"No." Garrick laughed. "My parents had her tested. That's just Lyra.”
"Anything from the trolley dears?" A soft voice called from the door.
The boys rushed up to the door for Chocolate frogs and gummy burps.
"Nothing for me." Sophia sighed. "I'm broke."
"My besty broke?" Lyra said. "I'll not hear of it! Come on Sophie, it's on me!"
********************************
All first years were ordered into uniforms, robes and hats before the train came to a stop at Hogsmeade station. The train was greeted by a giant of a man, the schools grounds keeper Rubious Hagrid.
"This way to the boats." Hagrid called. "First years folla me!"
Lyra elbowed her brother in the ribs when she saw what he was holding.
"Ow! What?" Garrick asked looking to where his sister gestured.
Hagrid was standing there with a big broad smile holding Bijou's leash. Garrick ran up to the giant smiling.
"Hello Hagrid." Garrick smiled.
" 'ello there Garrick." Hagrid smiled back. "I sees ya had a safe trip. I' was a safe'n too I imagines ay? Ay?"
"Yes it was just fine thank you." Garrick said. "My mom left Bijou with you?"
"She did indeed." Hagrid smiled handing over the leash to the young boy. "She didn' wan' t' embarass ya infron' of any new friends ya migh' make on the Express."
"Ah the wisdom of the ELDERLY." Lyra laughed as she walked by with her new captive friend Sophia.
"Speakin' o'friends who is this young feller 'ere?" Hagrid asked.
"Oh I'm Anthony." The young man smiled holding up his hand to shake.
"Well Anthony I'm Rubious Hagrid, keeper of Grounds and Keys here a' Hogwarts an' I am honoured t' mee' ya!"
"Like wise sir!" Anthony smiled.
"Wha' a nice young feller!" Hafrid smiled.
"Ya yer mum told me abou' tha' fella back a' Kings Cross. Pencil pushin' sticklers fer stupid rules tha' don' hur' nobody bu' give'm power ya see. Makes'em feel big inside ta harass people."
"I think my mom was right though." Garrick said. "No one is above following the rules."
"Well tha's true." Hagrid said leaning in. "bu' no one is so low tha' they don' go' th' righ' t' question'm! Remember tha'."
"I will Hagrid." Garrick said.
"Allrigh' you firs' years enough daudlin'!" Hagrid yelled. "Come along!"
The trip across the Black Lake in the enchanted boats, on a starlit September first night, was pure magic. On the other side the boats were moored and the children ushered inside to the great hall. It was time for the children to be sorted into their houses.
Deputy Headmaster Flitwick stood up before the great hall with the list of names and the sorting hat. Of course he stood on a platform that was built for him, for the occasion, and he used his wand to place the sorting hat. Everything in the end worked out just fine.
Anna Alverez was first. A small slight girl with thick glasses. She was sorted to Ravenclaw.
"Garrick Lazerus." The name was not as well known as Bucket. Perhaps that's why mother had insisted on them taking their fathers last name.
Garrick stepped up and sat on the stool as the sorting hat fell upon his head and gripped him tightly.
"Many Buckets have I passed through these houses. Many through Slytherin. You have no opinion, curious. I also have place some in Ravenclaw. Also no opinion from you. A Lazerus has passed through here. Oh yes one or two. Very, very curious." The sorting hat was perplexed at the young man's sense of calm resolve. "You have an inner strength, bravery, but fierce loyalty and are a hard worker above all else. Ahhhhhhh you are like only one other Bucket I've seen before with the skin of a wizard but the blood of an Elf. I will put you in.... HUFFLEPUFF!!!"
The Hufflepuffls cheered as Garrick walked over. His Hogwarts patch shifting to a Hufflepuff one.
"Lyra Lazerus." Professor Flitwick called.
Lyra walked up and sat down before the hat could touch her head she grabbed it, turned it towards her and snarled something in a low growling voice to it. Then she plonked it down on her own head and sat there like a pretty princess looking innocent.
"Griffyndor" The sorting hat said. "Yes, yes! Definitely Griffyndor. Let's move to the next child please!"
When the hat was removed from Lyra's red hair, she skipped playfully to the Griffyndor table and took her seat proudly with welcome from the Quidditch fans she'd met on the platform at Kings Cross.
“What did you say to the sorting hat that scared it so bad?” A young Griffyndor asked.
“I warned it if it didn’t sort me into Griffyndor I’d use a spell that my aunt Karry found that could destroy it!” Lyra smiled all cute batting her eyelashes.
“That sounds like something a Slytherin would do!” One Boy accused.
“Yes but before he could even agree I told him I’d stuffed the only ancient copy up inside him for his own safe keeping.” Lyra smiled. “So then it was his decision. There-by putting his life in his hands and no body else’s forever. Sounds pretty Griffyndor to me…ay?”
This year saw the usual cross of students distributed between the houses but there seemed to be a greater number in Griffyndor for some reason and the lowest amount in Hufflepuff in a century. However the sorting ceremony was far from over.
The Griffyndor table found its Head boy Fin deep in quieted conversation at the far end of the house table with the third year girl he'd called along after him on the train. A young Griffyndor by the name of Marianna.
"I'm telling you it's all ready approved." Fin reassured the young lady. "All you need to do is accept."
"Me?" Marianna blushed. "A Griffyndor prefect? Really?"
"Of the list of candidates I submitted to the Headmistresses office at the end of last year," Fin smiled, "your name came back on the top of the list! So that means Old McGonagall herself agrees with me. You would be perfect... for prefect!"
Marianna was so very excited. It was a lot of responsibility to try and keep her housemates to obey the rules... or at least the important enough ones.
"Ok." Marianna smiled. "I'll take the job."
"Anthony Spagnuolo" Professor Flitwick called. - Slytherin
The confident young man stepped forward and sat on the stool with a big happy grin. The sorting hat was lowered onto his head and it latched onto his head.
"You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil. I see you already have a friend you've made in there..." the old sorting hat mused. "... but perhaps it is in Slytherin you'll find what you truly seek. That to take you further and make you better. The better best version there is of you..... YES......SLYTHERIN!!!!"
Layla, the Slytherin head girl, had the whole table stand to welcome their newest house mate. Quite frankly most of them were growing tired of it but no one dared say anything for she was a tough as she was kind.
Anthony bounced happily over to the Slytherin table where he took his seat and went to shake hands but found very few to shake. He quickly found there were a lot of snobs in Slytherin.
"Hey Anthony!" A voice said from behind him.
Anthony turned to see Garrick sitting behind him on the Hufflepuff table bench.
"Congrats on making Slytherin Anthony." Garrick said holding out his hand.
"Thanks Garrick." Anthony said shaking his friend’s hand. "Congrats to you too on making Hufflepuff! Hope we have some classes together."
A second year Slytherin boy named Guyus Draaper slapped their hands apart.
"Ow!" Anthony yelled.
"Quit it!" Garrick protested
"We don't consort with HUFFLEPUFF'S!"
Garrick took a rather deep breath and let loose with a loud "&^%# you!"
"Silence please!" Headmistress McGonagall said loudly but firmly. Her steel glare ending all conflict on that side of the hall. It was then they realized their friend Sophia was stepping up to be sorted.
Sophia sat nervously on the stool of all the houses she did NOT want to be put in Slytherin. The sorting hat was barely placed above the young girls head before it rang out GRIFFYNDOR! Never since the Malfoy boy had the sorting hat made a decision so quickly.
The Griffyndor table stood and cheered, but none so loud as Lyra!
"BESTIE!!!" Lyra yelled excitedly grabbing the young witch as she walked over stunned. "Oh I hoped we get roomed together! We can stay up all night studying! Breakfasts, lunches, dinners together! We'll make all wonderful friends and try out for the Quidditch team together! It will be an amazing seven years!"
Sophia could only sit in shock as she realized that, for now, she was stuck with this red-spiky haired, psychotic, that she prayed was only making a joke for her own amusement.
*******************************
Students poured into Professor Melody Leon's class. Unlike other Hogwarts classrooms hers was stuffed from head to toe with memorabilia from every generation of Hogwarts. Unlike the seriously important pieces on display throughout the castle most teachers and students considered her collection just bits of tat but she knew better! These were valuable bits of history that she was saving an preserving. One day they would see! They would all see.
Of course Peeve's enjoyed a good game scavenger hunt better than most! Or rather he enjoyed stealing Professor Leon's collectibles and hiding them on her so that she we go near mad having to look all over finding them around the castle. What fun!!!
"Good morning." Professor Leon smiled. This was a brand new class of first years. A good mix of all houses represented. Unlike some classes Professor Leon liked to mix her class up so not all houses sat in sections. The children were spread out amongst each other. This stopped a lot of in house cheating, cronyism and bullying.
"Welcome to the History of Hogwarts 101." The lovely professor said standing from her desk. "I am your Professor, Ms.Leon, and we are a serious history class. So if you think this is going to be an easy one, it will not be. If you think I will mark you easily. Well... we'll see. Now, open your tiny volumes of Hogwarts a History and open to Page one."
The grunts of first year students pulling the huge books from their bags and the thumps on their tables always made Professor Leon Smile.
"Now before we start to read." Ms.Leon started. "Who can tell me some of Hogwarts more estimed and successful alumni?"
Only three or four hands shot up. She took note of who they were as these would be the ones who answered the lion share of questions all year.
"Yes Ms.Windsnapple is it?" Professor Leon pointed.
"Yes professor." The young Ravenclaw nodded. "Harry Potter."
"Yes." Professor Leon agreed leaning back on her desk. "Harry Potter. The boy who lived. The young man who lead the houses of children against the attacking Death Eaters lead by the Villain Voldemort at the BATTLE OF HOGWARTS. Something you'll study in length in year five. Any one else?"
"Albus Dumbledore." Was another boys answer.
"Some say he was the greatest headmaster of all time!" Professor Leon smiled thoughtfully. "But was he really? These are questions you'll be asked to answer!"
"Newt Scamander." A girl from Hufflepuff smiled.
"Author of Fantastic Beasts and where to find them." Professor Leon nodded. "The book that single handedly changed the way the wizarding world looked at magical creatures! Well done! Five points for Hufflepuff! However, was he the greatest Hufflepuff of all time?"
The Ravenclaw girl thrust her hand up again. "Clearly not Professor. I mean, there was Helga Hufflepuff after all. The original Hufflepuff!"
"Very true!" Professor Leon politely applauded. "Not truly alumni but I'll allow it."
Another boy at the back stuck his hand up. A big young man that looked a bit shy and unsure of himself from Griffyndor. "Yes Mr. McDunne?"
"Lyra Lazerus!" The boy mumbled.
"I'm sorry young man can you speak up please?" Professor Leon smiled encouragingly.
"LYRA 'WILDFIRE' LAZEROUS!" The boy yelled standing pumping his fist in the air in praise. "BEST CHASER THE HISTORY OF CHUDLEY CANNONS!!!"
Some of the class gasped and some laughed at him. Professor Leon clapped. "I must say young Mr.McDunne I do express admiration for your enthusiasm for the sport."
"I fancy her." The boy said sitting down. "I have her autographed poster at home."
"Very nice." The professor wanted to quickly move past that subject now. "Yes she was indeed a Griffyndor here, but what of her family?"
"Her brother is an inventor and businessman like his father!" McDunne smiled. "Of course her mom is the wand lady who was like Witch Queen and freed all the elf slaves and stuff."
"Yes Sasporilla Bucket." Professor Leon laughed. "Also one of the hero's of Hogwarts that figured out how to successfully do her fathers failed spell and reversed the dementor’s kiss! No big deal. Also a Hufflepuff by the way."
Professor Leon walked back to her desk and had a seat. "Who would like to read the opening few paragraphs for us?"
The Ravenclaw girl put her hand up like a shot, which was of course no surprise to the Professor.
"Go ahead Ms.Windsnapple." Professor Leon smiled.
""Over a thousand years ago (10th century), the four greatest witches and wizards of the same age shared a dream, to create a school where young people of the wizarding world could study and be trained in the magical arts they needed to become skilled, fully-trained wizards. These four great wizards each founded one of the Houses ( Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw)of the school that they worked together to form: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.""........
The End of an Era
PLEASE REMEMBER
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.