Daisy Rosier
Daisy was rolling in her bed; trying to find more comfortable position to lie in. But it was all for naught. After wasting another twenty minutes or so, she finally got up from the soft fluffy bed and checked on the other bed; which was empty as usual. She padded towards the en-suite to freshen up and get ready for the day; leaving the thoughts of her sister behind.
After brushing her teeth, she stepped under the hot water and took a quick shower. When she stepped inside the bedroom that was assigned to her and her sister; she found Dahlia sitting on the vanity and braiding her hair. Trey of breakfast was placed on the table near the French windows. Daisy’s face light up with sheer joy upon seeing her sister.
She singed, “Liaaa…. Where were you? When I woke up; your bed was empty and you weren’t in the room.”
Her elder sister turned towards her, “I was having a quick conversation with Headmistress. Nothing noteworthy. Now, come. We need to finish the breakfast and join the rest for the classes. We mustn’t be late.”
Daisy hopped towards the chair opposite to Dahlia and sat down. Dahlia took a piece of toast and buttered it and placed bits of chicken and arugula on top of it. She then made her a cup of tea exactly as she likes and placed her breakfast on front of her. Dahlia was born only ten minutes before her, making Lia her older sister. However, Dahlia had always been her mother. She has looked after Daisy all her life; Daisy cannot remember when was the last time when she went to any adults for anything. Dahlia had always taken care of everything; their finance, their needs, their education and other day to day necessities. She was a one witch army. There wasn’t anything that her older sister wasn’t capable of.
She was her sister, mentor, mother and protector. Daisy was bit too genuine and lovable, she always believed in everyone and treated each and every person with kindness. But there were people out there who would take advantage of her because of her trusting nature. She had to learn the hard way that not every person deserves her trust and kindness. Some people are better left on their own. But she is a healer by heart and soul. If someone needs her help, she will of course help them. Regardless of the outcome of her actions.
Which is the main reason, she befriended Harry Potter. She hadn’t known that he was the savior of the British Wizarding world and first ever person to survive the encounter from the killing curse. When they were boarding the ship, Dahlia had said that Britain was going to be our home from now on. She hadn’t stepped foot outside of France since the day she was born and now suddenly she was to settle in a completely different country. Daisy was a bit apprehensive at first but then Dahlia had said that she would be meeting her soulmate in Hogwarts. And that had made her bit more accepting of their decision.
Soulmates are a fantasy concept in the muggle world; but in wizarding world, plenty of people end up meeting people who are essentially their other half. The term might be called soulmate but it has nothing to do with soul and any other trivial thing like that; most wizards and witches meets their soulmates because of their magic. It is considerably difficult but if you are attuned with your magical core, you can find the other person who compliments and completes your magic. Their parents were soulmates. Their magic responded with each other’s like fire and air; feeding off on each other and in perfect harmony until it wasn’t. Daisy was blessed with aura reading by mother magic; hence she could figure out which person would complement with whom the best.
She had found him as soon as she had entered Hogwarts; his magic was golden much like hers. Warm and fuzzy with lots and lots of unrestrained care. But his aura was dull and melancholy; which is why despite Dahlia’s insistence that she waited until a few days to introduce herself to him; she had walked right up to him and started a conversation with him. Harry was quite lovely person, albeit a bit naïve. She knew that because she used to be like him. Last time when someone tried to take advantage of her; they ended up in the infirmary of Beauxbatons with more broken bones than anyone could count courtesy of her sister.
But she knew better now. Which is why she wanted to be there for Harry when he learned the same lesson, when she learned that people were taking advantage of her, she had gotten so heartbroken; her naïve mind was broken in such despicable manner, if it wasn’t for Dahlia, she wouldn’t have survived from that incident. It was due to her sister that she started trusting people again. Dahlia has said that her gentle and trusting nature was what made her special; if she changed the fundamental part of herself because of some horrid people; it wouldn’t be fair to Daisy. She shouldn’t change herself because of them. She just needed to be bit cautious in placing her trust. And if anything like that happened again, she would take care of them just like last time.
She finished her breakfast and moved to the trunk; and picked their uniform.
She conversationally said, “I will miss this blue robes. Hogwarts has such drab uniforms. They look absolutely unflattering.”
Dahlia snorted, so unlike her, “I don’t think we would be focusing on the uniform when the entire wizarding world would be in utter chaos.”
Dahlia was applying her favorite red rouge on her lips. She made that rouge herself with dried beetroot powder, and red rose petals. She looked positively enchanting with that rouge.
Daisy turned towards her sister, “So, it will happen soon than.”
Dahlia hummed, “Third task will change the trajectory of British wizarding world. Not for the better.”
Daisy knew her older sister was blessed by mother magic with sight; she had gotten their father’s seer ability. So, whatever she must have seen would have to be truly horrific for her to make such comments so early in the morning.
She naively asked, “Can’t you stop it from happening in the first place?”
Dahlia smiled sadly at her, “It does not work like that, Mon Ange. You know that. Besides, if he doesn’t come back, he cannot be truly defeated, so we would have to deal with him for at least three years before he is eradicated completely unlike the last war.”
Daisy nodded, “Well then, we are transferring to Hogwarts once this year ends.”
Dahlia tilted her head, “What do you think I discussed with our Headmistress?”
Daisy smiled, “Always a step ahead.”
Dahlia picked the satchel, “Several actually, but who’s keeping the count. Come. We have Transfiguration with other fourth years from Hogwarts first thing in the morning.”
They both slowly walked out of the carriage and made their way to the first class of the year.
The classroom for their first lesson was 1B and located on the ground floor around middle courtyard of the castle.
Daisy was feeling exceptionally happy today; they were going to stay here and now Lia and she would be able to get to know the other students better. She was looking forward to making new friends.
When they entered the classroom, the class was filled with all of fourth year from Hogwarts. Daisy could see four different colored ties worn by the students. All seating separately. Hmm. That ought to change. She does not like the segregation this house system has caused in the student body. Sure, Beauxbatons has house system as well; but this level of isolation is entirely unhealthy for developing minds.
The benches were organized in three neat rows; Dahlia led them towards the front seat of the left row. She settled herself and nodded Daisy to take the seat beside her. She was a bit apprehensive though; the seat behind them were occupied by the Slytherins; specifically, Heir Malfoy and his friends; she did not like him for the way he treated Harry; but he was her sister’s soulmate whether they acknowledge that or not was none of her business. Her sister had put him in his place two days ago; he seemed subdued and a little bit preoccupied at the moment; so, Daisy would let it go for now. If he tried to mess with Harry again; she will show him exactly what she thinks of him.
When all of the students were seated; the tabby cat jumped off the desk on the dais and transformed into Prof. McGonagall. The transfiguration teacher. Hmm; Daisy thought, ‘At least she is competent; unlike that utter twat Moody.’
Prof McGonagall addressed them, looking through her glasses, “Good morning, Everyone. Before we began our lesson, please welcome two of the students from Beauxbatons, Miss Dahlia Rosier and Miss Daisy Rosier who will be joining you for the rest of the year.”
There was a lukewarm applause from the students, not that Dahlia or Daisy cared for it.
Prof. McGonagall turned towards the class and instructed, “Today, we will be continuing the practice of switching spell. Miss Granger will demonstrate the spell; here.”
Bushy browned hair girl with a bit large front two teeth; waved her wand and turned her small squirrel into a chipmunk.
Prof. continued, “Now, that you know the incantation and the wand movement; you shall continue the practice.”
Dahlia rolled her eyes, didn’t even lift her wand; she was proficient at Transfiguration, Defense against Dark Arts and Dueling. Whereas Daisy’s talent lied in Charms, Healing and Herbology. They had other talent of course, like Dahlia was a ward master and Daisy was actually proficient at Ancient Runes. But Transfiguration was not a subject that Daisy was vey good at. She was of course capable of performing spells, but Dahlia insisted that she learned to cast the spell non-verbally. Hence, she was having difficulty in casting the spell.
After Daisy’s fifth failed attempt to non-verbally cast the spell; she huffed, to which her dear sister rolled her eyes. Daisy pouted adorably, “You do it then.”
Dahlia picked her wand and non-verbally casted the switching spell; on the very first try. Prof. McGonagall who was standing behind them exclaimed, “Oh, My. Look at that class; Miss Rosier casted the spell non-verbally on the very first try.”
Every eye in the classroom turned to them; Dahlia straightened her spine; Granger asked scathingly, “How did you do that?”
Before Dahlia could weave a believable lie; Daisy replied, “My sister only casts the spell non-verbally. She says it’s a waste of time and energy to use the incantations.”
There was a pin-drop silence after her comment; Prof. McGonagall inquired, “All of the casting?”
Dahlia who was silent until now, answered, “Yes. I cast all of my spells non-verbally. Would that be an issue, Professor?”
Professor shook her head and said, “Would you mind demonstrating the class how you did it?”
Dahlia shrugged her shoulders gracefully and said, “Why not?”
She got up from the desk and took both the squirrel and the chipmunk with her and walked on to the dais; She placed both animals on the desk and then casted the switching spell again successfully.
Prof. McGonagall was smiling openly now, she beamed with joy and said, “I wish you were Hogwarts’s student; so, I could give you points for that wonderful display of talent.”
Granger raised her hand and immediately asked, “But it does not explain how she cast the spell non-verbally?”
Professor turned to Dahlia and raised a single eyebrow in question. Dahlia took a deep breath and waved her wand; the duster levitated from its place and started cleaning out the blackboard.
Once the board was clean; Dahlia waved her wand and the chalk started drawing an illustration of human physiology on the board.
She turned towards the class and questioned, “Can anyone tell me what drawing is this?”
Granger raised her hand in an instant and answered, “It is the drawing of nerves system of human anatomy.”
Dahlia nodded, “Very good; our nerves system is made up of brain, spinal cord and nerves. Your nervous system works by sending messages or electrical signals between your brain and all the other parts of the body. These signals tell you to breathe, move, speak and see. For example; your nervous system keeps track of what’s going on inside and outside of your body and decides how to respond to any situation you’re in. Your nervous system regulates the complicated processes of thoughts and memory. It also plays an essential role in the things your body does without thinking like blushing, sweating and blinking.”
She turned towards the class and asked, “Following me so far?”
When everyone nodded, she continued, “Your brain tells your body part what to do, for example I want to pick up the wand; my brain sends the signal to my hand; and it will pick up the wand. Now imagine how absurd it would look if were to say out loud, “Hand, pick up the wand.””
Half the class snuffled the laugh, Dahlia waved her wand and casted the switching spell once again. She pointed her wand and said, “Similarly, you magic is part of you; your magical core is somewhere inside your body. You simply have to find the core and get acquainted with it in better terms. You tell your magic what to do and it will do it for you. I am simply commanding my magic to do my biding. As I showed it before; it will listen to you. Just as your hand listens to your mind.”
Prof. McGonagall tilted her head and asked, “Does that mean, that each magical core is sentient?”
Dahlia furrowed her brows and shook her head negatively, “I don’t think so. But then again, there is very little research done on magical cores of witches and wizards. Hmm, I would have to look into that.”
Granger once again asked, “How do we find our magical core?”
Dahlia looked at Prof. McGonagall and asked a silent question, this was getting away from what they were learning in the class. She simply nodded, intrigued by her answers so far.
Dahlia answered, “Via Meditation and occlumency.”
She further elaborated, “Meditation is a technique for calming down the mind’s nonstop activity and experiencing inner peace. It is a technique for freeing your mind from constantly nagging thoughts and worries and quieting the chatter of your mind. A technique for relaxing the body and reducing stress and anxiety. It is a way that helps in going deep within your consciousness and experiencing a sense of higher awareness. It also helps to sharpen the mind and focus. And it ultimately leads you to your magical core.
“Occlumency however, uses the meditation techniques as a base; it’s the study of closing of you mind; Occlumency is the art of magically defending the mind against external penetration, sealing it against magical intrusion and influence – the defensive counter to Legilimency. Elementary Occlumency involves clearing the mind of thought and emotion, so that the Legilimens can find no emotional ties to memories that the target wishes to conceal.
So, those who are practising occlumency can easily reach their magical core, as they are more aware of their own mind and attuned to their magic. Now, there are so many different ways to perform both of these techniques; you can research on it and chose one method that suits you the best. Practice on it and then when you are more attune with your core, you can try to cast non-verbal spells; it would get easier with time and practise just like any other spell casting.”
Everyone was hanging on their seats, listening to Lia explain the way to reach their cores. Draco Malfoy who was the most skilled occlumence in their year, immediately started to occlude. After a few minutes, he was finally able to find his own core.
Dahlia smirked and focused on him, “Mr. Malfoy; did you find your magical core just now?”
Draco nodded, eyes still closed and a touch of astonishment playing on his face; Dahlia asked, “Can you describe it, please?”
Draco began to explain with his eyes closed, “It feels weightless; its feels powdery and airy, like a single touch of warmth would dissolve it; like freshly fallen snow with sheen of silver that enhances the purity of snow. It glows soft and ethereal; like a gentle caress of moonlight. Snowy white with otherworldly sheen of silver. It feels like winter’s gentle touch and timeless embrace.”
Draco opened his eyes and looked at Dahlia with awe on his face; he whispered with gratitude, “Thank you.”
Dahlia smiled fully, nodding; “Excellent; now can anyone else like to try?”
Potter scoffed, “Of course, Slimy Slytherins are the first one to succeed. I can’t even meditate let alone whatever the hell that occlu thing is.”
Dahlia turned towards him and said, “As I said before, there are several ways to meditate and reach inner peace. Clearing mind wouldn’t work for many people; specially those whose mind is filled with chaos and unbridled thoughts. For them I would suggest letting those thoughts run wild but in the background of your mind, like when you are doing some chore and there is song playing in the background; your mind and body is focused on the tasks yet you can sing along with every word absentmindedly. Similarly, let your chaotic thoughts be in the background and focus on the task of finding your core. Try it.”
Potter looked a bit skeptical but closed his eyes nonetheless. Everyone else in the class were waiting for him to succeed as he was known to achieve impossible since he started Hogwarts in first year. After few minutes of trying, Potter succeeded, he exclaimed, “This is bloody brilliant.”
Dahlia smiled, “Would you please describe your magical core, Mr. Potter?”
Potter whose eyes were still closed, but smiling openly explained, “It feels like warm embrace of bonfire; soft comforting glow of dancing fire with earthy scent of smoke; red tinged with gold; it feels like molten gold, not like it could burn your skin but like it shields you from the cold and make you feel at home. It feels bit temperamental like one minute it feels like bonfire but the next it feels like wildfire. Unpredictable and unretractable. Like it could destroy anything in its path.”
Potter opened his eyes and smiled, “That was awesome.”
Dahlia smiled and rolled her eyes, “So, this would be your exercise, try to find your core in your free time, more attuned you are with your magic, easier it gets to casts the spells.”
She nodded towards the entire class and Prof. McGonagall; but instead of taking her seat the desk, she walked up to Mr. Longbottom and tilted her head, examining him and his wand.
She called Daisy, “Daisy, come here for a second.”
Daisy who was used to her sister’s wandering mind, walked towards them both. Dahlia asked, “Can you tell me what do you see, when you look at Mr. Longbottom?”
Daisy nodded and focused entirely on the blonde boy. After a minute of observation, “it feels like his magic is fighting against something. He has tremendous amount of power but it is being blocked by something.”
Dahlia nodded and further inquired, “Can you see what is blocking it?”
Daisy squinted her eyes and shook her head, “No, I can’t.”
Dahlia nodded and turned to Longbottom, “May I have your wand for a minute, Mr. Longbottom?”
He nodded in fear and handed over the wand to Dahlia, who placed it in Daisy’s hand. She instructed, “Now, focus on the wand and tell me what do you see?”
Daisy did as she was told and gasped, “It’s an ash wand; it can only be used by one true master. Mr. Longbottom is not it’s master; hence it refuses to cooperate with him and fights against his magic.”
She then turned to Longbottom and said, “You need to buy your own wand. This one isn’t doing you any favors.”
Prof. McGonagall walked towards the three of them, her face pinched and lips pressed in thin line, “Is it true, Longbottom?”
Longbottom flinched upon her inquiry and stuttered, “It belonged to my father. Grandmother wanted me to use it.”
Prof. McGonagall muttered a curse under her breath, “It looks like I will be having words with Augusta. Until you have acquired your own wand; you are exempt from all the classes. Too much constraint on your magic would have damage your core permanently. Be grateful that Miss Rosier noticed what was wrong with your casting or it would have ended very poorly for you. I suggest you meet Madam Pomphrey after the class is over; you need to get checked if there is any lasting damage due to the unsuitable wand.”
Longbottom nodded mutely, “I just always assumed I didn’t have much magic; so, I didn’t think much of it.”
Dahlia commented, “On the contrary, you have quite a powerful magical core. If you don’t believe me. Daisy can show you.”
Daisy turned to her sister, “But you said to never cast that spell on anyone unless I want everyone to know that I can read auras.”
Dahlia shook her head, “Cast the spell, Mon Ange. I will take care of the rest.”
Daisy only nodded and waved her wand around Longbottom; effect was instant, in a second tendrils of rich verdant emerald green and earthy brown vines swirled around Longbottom. His magical core represented strength, tranquility and his resolute nature. The calming energy the core emanated was nurturing and revitalizing at the very first glance.
Dahlia explained, “That is your magical core.”
Longbottom looked completely shellshocked, he was gaping at the green and brown vines around him with unrestrained incredulity. Daisy understood why her sister had suggested that she cast the spell. The blonde boy was already struggling with self esteem and a wand which was fighting against him didn’t help the matters. With their combine help maybe the Longbottom heir would flourish rather than struggle like he did for the first three years of his schooling.
There were tears in his blue eyes, he gulped down his emotions and whispered reverently, “Thank you.”
To which Dahlia answered smoothly, “It was my pleasure; Mr. Longbottom.”
“Please, call me Neville.”
“Then, please call me Dahlia.” Her sister smiled.
Daisy piped behind her, “And call me Daisy.”
Neville beamed at them and nodded, when second youngest Weasley suggested, “Can’t you just teach this spell to everyone so they can see their own magical core? Why do we have to work so hard and meditate and what not; when we can do that with a simple spell?”
Dahlia looked at him with an unimpressive stare, “She will do no such thing, but that can be your incentive; if you managed to see your magical core and get better at non-verbal casting; then she will teach the spell, but not before it. Specially because there is no incantation; so, learn to cast this spell you will need to be good at non-verbal casting. And know this, if any of you harassed my sister for this, you will be facing the end of wand. Is that clear?”
Entire class leaned back, as if they were trying to put physical distance between them; Prof. McGonagall asked, “Where did you find such a spell in the first place?”
Daisy chirped, “Dahlia invented it when we were twelve.”
Prof. McGonagall was shocked once more, she turned towards the dark-haired witch with astonishment visible on her face., “Did you truly create a spell when you were twelve?”
Dahlia rolled her eyes and turned towards Prof. McGonagall, “Yes, now that we have answered all of your questions, are we excused?”
She nodded reluctantly and both Daisy and Dahlia made their way out of the class. Chatting about the summoning charm that Daisy wanted to try on the giant squid. Less than a week at Hogwarts, Dahlia Rosier had become a mystery that everyone in the Hogwarts wanted to unravel.
~
Albus Dumbledore POV
Albus was running around all across school and the ministry to co-ordinate for the Triwizard tournament that Hogwarts was hosting this year; he had barely any time to drink a cup of tea let alone anything else; as Deputy Headmistress Minerva was taking majority of the responsibilities from his shoulders, leaving him with a little room to breathe in between the various meetings. So, for her to call for an emergency meeting in the middle of the day, during the lunch time. It must have been truly something.
He was second last to arrive, rest of the staff including Filius, Pomona, Severus, Aurora, Septima, Poppy, Rolanda and Alaster were patiently waiting for them, surprisingly Minerva who was first to arrive for any sort of meeting made her appearance just he sat down at the head table.
She looked frazzled and a bit like a cat on catnip, maybe she may have ingested some when she was in her Animagus form; Albus was no longer sure of anything when it came to his right-handed witch.
Minerva immediately started ranting, “You wouldn’t believe the class we had in the transfiguration today in the fourth year.”
Severus drawled besides him, “I have heard a few whispers of what transpired in your class; but I thought that students may have exaggerated it a bit.”
Minerva shook her head, “Not even a little bit. I still can’t believe, even after watching the entire thing unfold right in front of my own eyes.”
Albus sighed, “Minerva, if you will please get to the point, I am supposed to meet Bartimus and Ludo in thirty minutes; I can not be late for the meeting.”
Minerva sheepishly nodded, “Right, of course. At first, I was teaching the class as I normally would, but then Miss Rosier’ from the Beauxbatons Academy joined the class; then out of nowhere Miss Dahlia casted the switching spell non-verbal successfully; on the very first try.”
Albus leaned on the table a bit; anyone who showed talent on the area of transfiguration was always interesting to him. Minerva continued, “And than she explains that she never uses incantations to cast any spell; she does all of her casting non-verbally.”
Then she turned her eyes sideways towards Alster; “I believe Alaster had a first-hand experience in that.”
Albus had to listen to his friend rant about a tiny fourth year girl dueling him and disarming him without uttering as much as a single word. Albus had immediately talked to Madam Maxine about the student in question and came to know the infamous reputation she had garnered in just under four years.
Minerva broke his line of thoughts, “That wasn’t even the beginning; after that when Miss Granger demanded that she explained how she managed to get too proficient at non-verbal casting; she took the dais without nary a thought and gave a half an hour lecture on how she achieved it. Then she explained the process of getting more attuned with your magical core. In the middle of it all, Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter managed to reach their own magical core and explained what they felt in great description.”
Albus eyebrows went straight to the hairline; finding your magical core at such an early age is no easy feet and to do that in the middle of class; with the help of another fourteen year no less; what was happening with the fourth years class.
Minerva continued her explanation waving her hands, “Than she somehow led her sister Ms. Daisy to figure out why Mr. Longbottom’s magic was fighting against him. Turns out poor lad was using his father’s old ash wand; he never really stood chance. His grandmother Augusta was forcing him to use it. Albus, after this, you are to contact Dowager Longbottom, so I can give her piece of my mind and take Mr. Longbottom to buy a new wand that chooses him.”
Albus breathed through his nose and lamented his peace of mind; he would have to be present for the meeting and he is not looking forward to it. Not even a little bit.
Minerva finally ended her tale, “Then Dahlia had Miss Daisy cast a spell that showed the magical core of Mr. Longbottom; Albus it was truly a magical sight; and turned out the spell that Ms. Daisy casted was created by her sister Dahlia when she was barely twelve.”
The staff room was in uproar after the final declaration; the youngest person to create the spell had been sixteen-year-old; not even he had managed to create an entirely new spell at such young age. Ms. Dahlia seemed to be more and more of anomaly; at first when he had noticed the two sisters; the older one with brown hair instantly reminded him of Gellert when he was sixteen. She wore an imperceptible mask and had her occlumency shield in place. She had that aura around her, her face always wore a disinterest like nothing was of importance to her. Like everything that happened around her no longer held any interest to her. Her sister on the other hand reminded him of himself; the small child that he had been once before her sister was attacked by those muggles; the absolute curiosity to learn and know more and the childlike joy in learning new things was something that he lost after he lost his father and his sister.
Two sisters; one exact replica of Gellert and one exact replica of him; he wanted to believe that it was just a coincident that they had no relation to either of them but rarely had his hunches had been wrong and his instinct told him that those two were somehow connected to him and the past he was running away from for almost a century.
This year was going to be a long one; he was certainly sure of it. He just couldn’t figure out whether it would be a good thing or a bad. Well, time certainly will tell.