The Daughter

Kysa woke up before Hermione, so she took the opportunity to get in the shower before her. By the time she was done, Hermione had woken up and was gathering the things she thought she’d need for the day into her bag.

“Bathroom’s free.” She told her, before she finished getting ready for the day ahead. Soon they were both leaving the common room with the other first years and heading back to the great hall. Kysa drew some funny looks as she had Rhan sat on her shoulder. The cub was purring away, quite happily, and rubbing her face against Kysa’s cheek.

“I can’t wait to start lessons!” Hermione said. “I wonder what we’ll have first.”

“I hope transfiguration. Perhaps I’ll find changing myself into an animal easier that way. I haven’t yet gotten the hang of that magic. Dad says it will come though. With time.”

“What are you talking about, Lokidottir?” Pansy asked, having been listening in to the conversation. “The Animagus transformation takes years, and the ministry monitors those learning it closely. When they’ve completed their schooling.”

“Then what sort of transfiguration do we learn?”

“Kysa, didn’t you read the text books?” Hermione asked.

“I kind of got a bit side tracked with other books.” She said. “I read Hogwarts: A History, and some other of the History books, oh and some on politics and culture of the British wizarding world, but I thought that there would be plenty of time to read my school books when here.” Kysa was frowning. “I hope I won’t be too behind. I still have my other studies to continue with, even if I don’t have anyone to teach me while I’m here. I can’t afford to grow lax.”

“Merlin, you are such a Ravenclaw.” Pansy said.

“I was almost.” Kysa told her plainly. They all grabbed seats at the Slytherin table in the great hall, Pansy sitting as far from Hermione and Kysa as she could, without sitting away from the other first years.

Soon, the hall began filling up and teachers began handing out timetables. Professor Snape handed the first years theirs quickly, before moving on. He had six other year groups after all.

“Well, Charms with the Hufflepuffs, Herbology with the Ravenclaws, Defence with the Gryffindors, Transfiguration and Potions with them as well (are they trying to incite a fight between classes?) History with the Ravenclaws and Astronomy with the Hufflepuffs.” Kysa noted, looking through the lessons over the week. She groaned. “Astronomy means learning a new sky line of stars.”

“Don’t you want to learn about Midgards stars?” Tracy asked.

“My grandmother taught me astronomy back home. That was after many others, even my dad, failed to teach me. I don’t know how she managed to get me to see the patterns and all of the details, but she did.”

Tracy nodded. “Your grandmother… that would be Frigga, wouldn’t it? Or your grandmother on your mother’s side?”

“You were right. My grandmother, Frigga. I know hardly anything about my mother’s family.”

“How come?” Hermione asked.

“I have no need to.” Kysa replied. And it was true. Either mortal or immortal, Sigyn’s family held no interest for her. She had her family. Her maternal grandparents had never forgiven Loki for letting Sigyn become mortal, and had not wanted anything to do with him after they had split. What Kysa had grown up believing was that they blamed Loki for their daughter’s death. Kind of true, seeing as in a few short years, Sigyn would be dead, living only a human lifespan. And that they would not view her as their daughter so long as she was mortal. So, Kysa had never met them. And there was no way she would have met her birth family. And she honestly didn’t want to. But she knew that she would be having some of her classes with Hadrian Potter, who had been sorted into Gryffindor the night before. So she would be in close contact with him at some points, but she was aiming to keep it as distant as possible.

She easily steered the conversation in a different direction- towards their first class, Herbology as a matter of fact. Before breakfast had finished however, a large raven landed in front of her on the table.

“Good morning Munin.” Kysa said, placing a few more rashers of bacon on her plate for the raven to eat.

“Good morning to you as well Princess. I hope the new day finds you well.” The raven replied, his voice a croak. The raven held his wings out and stooped a bow as best a raven could, before taking the bacon.

“I am very well, thank you Munin. Are you here for a letter to take home?”

He bobbed his head, his beak now full of bacon.

Kysa grabbed some parchment and a quill and began writing out her letter, explaining her sorting and the time table she now had, before adding that she missed everyone already and hoped they were well. She finished just as Munin finished eating his bacon. She handed the letter out to him.

“Have a safe trip home, Munin.”

“Aye, Princess.” He took the letter, and with a flurry of wings, took off and left the Great Hall.

“Well, if there was any doubt as to if you really were who people thought, it’s gone now.” Daphne said, watching where the raven had left the room.

“You’ll probably see both Munin and Hugin over the years. They both like to compete and do a better job than the other and try and please grandfather. It’s a competition between them. Delivering messages when there is one to be delivered via them, they will consider an important enough job to bicker over.” Kysa said.

Soon they were heading down to the greenhouses for Herbology where they met with Professor Sprout and were immediately told that they were allowed to swear if the Venomous Tentacular grabbed them from behind. Kysa immediately made a note to never mention that little titbit of the class to her grandmother. She also quickly learnt why they used dragon hide gloves instead of regular gardening gloves. It was more than just one plant that they came into contact with that was downright mean.

Then, there was potions, and she noticed that Hadrian Potter kept casting glances at her through the lesson, his eyes narrowing whenever they landed on the Slytherin crest on her robes. She ignored him while she and Hermione worked on their potion together. This was something new to her, seeing as her dad and other tutors had concentrated purely on the magical side up until now, saying that she would start Potions when she was older- besides, it took more time to brew a potion that could protect you, when it took seconds to cast a spell to do the same. Her training had all been about things that could protect her until now.

Lunch followed the potions lesson, and her head of house called for her to remain behind.

“What is it Professor? Did I do something wrong?” She asked, frowning. She was sure she hadn’t done anything in this class that had been seen. But maybe he knew somehow of the spell she’d placed on the Venomous Tentacular to make it grow faster. That had been sure to freak some students out, and leave Professor Sprout baffled. Especially since she had covered her tracks well. Plus, thanks to the spell, within a few months, it would be teething soon. Or perhaps he knew it was her who had used the simple colour changing spell which had caused Potter’s potion to become green when it needed to be clear, even though he wasn’t far off, which had caused him to start throwing in ingredients to try and correct the potion. It wasn’t an explosive potion; it just made the end result a complete failure. It took his attention away from her at least. It had been really annoying having to work with him watching her.  

“Not that I am aware, Miss Lokidottir.” He said. “All I know is that the Headmaster wishes to speak with you.”

“May I ask why?”

“You may, but I don’t have the answer to give you. Come along now.” With that, he led the way out of the dungeons and in the direction of what she assumed was the Headmaster’s office. At the gargoyle, he stopped and said, “Gobstoppers.” And the gargoyle leapt aside to reveal a winding staircase. He led the way up and knocked on the door. All the while, Kysa remained silent. What could this be about? The headmaster wouldn’t be involved in a prank, would he? And she was sure she hadn’t been caught for the colour change or the growth speeding.

“Enter.” Both student and teacher entered the room. Kysa immediately saw Potter and also the red headed witch who she had noticed at the teachers table last night and this morning and the wizard who looked like Potter, just older and with hazel eyes. Her sharp eyes noticed Hadrian Potter shared the same eyes as the red headed professor, and her stomach sank. She should have guessed something like this would happen. The headmaster sat benignly behind his desk.

“You wanted to see me headmaster?” She asked. Her expression and tone indicated that she still had no clue about this meeting.

“Ah, Kysa, come in. Professor Snape, you may leave.”

Kysa frowned. “Actually Professor, I’d prefer it if my Head of house stayed. And I don’t recall being on a first name basis with you.”

He nodded and sighed. “Very well. Shut the door please Severus, take a seat then, both of you.”

“Snivellous has no right to be involved in this meeting!” The man said.

“James, please-”

“Miss Lokidottir has requested I remain behind Potter. As just one of the Aurors that are part of the schools security, I don’t think you have a say in what I do, unless it is a threat to the protection of one of the school’s inhabitants. As it is, I have no idea why you are here.”

“That’s enough, both of you!” The witch scolded. “Severus, this matter is a… familial one.”

Kysa snorted and all eyes turned to her. “I don’t see how that would be the case.”

“Emma, I don’t know what lies you’ve been told-” she began, but Kysa cut her off.

“One, my name is Kysa, two, I don't remember being on a first name basis with you and three... Lies?” Her eyes were narrowed to slits and her voice was a hiss. “I know the truth, Professor. You’re Lily Potter- formerly Sigyn, before you decided to become mortal. And I know you abandoned me in favour of him.” She jerked her head at Hadrian. “This is not a family meeting. This is not the happy, tearful reunion I am pretty sure you were expecting. I am not a part of your family. I am not your daughter, nor am I his twin sister anymore. I have been blood adopted. Dad did so the very same night he signed those adoption forms. Forms you had already filled in and signed, ready to be rid of me the moment someone agreed to take me off your hands! None of my family are here!”

“Don’t you talk to your mother that way young lady!” James said loudly, and sternly.

Kysa gave a short, bitter laugh. “You honestly believe you can tell me what to do? That you can step up to the role of my father now all you have to worry about is taking care of me during the holidays? Well you can’t! You can and will never fill that position! You’ll never be good enough! I know the forms originally stated the adoption would end when I was eleven. Am I some sort of toy to you that can be put on a shelf and then picked back up should you want to play a game? Well, let me shatter that image for you- you have no part in my life. And I’m glad. I’m glad I’m not part of your ‘picture perfect’ family.”

“You know nothing about our family!” Hadrian exploded. “You’ve been living in Asgard all these years!”

“Like that’s my fault? They’re the ones who threw me away like I was nothing! Like I was insignificant! And it wasn’t even because they couldn’t afford more than one child! If you want someone to blame for me not knowing the ins and outs of your precious family dynamic, then blame them.”

“You aren’t even giving us a chance!”

“Like I wasn’t given one? Where would I be if dad hadn’t offered to take me in? An orphanage? The relatives no one wants to talk to but everyone remembers when something’s needed? Or would I have been kept, and forgotten about? Something in the background. A pretty little decoration to be put on display, watching as you had all the attention, while I had nothing? Is that what it would have been? Don’t talk to me about giving chances to people who don’t deserve it.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance.” The headmaster butted in, trying to calm the situation down.

“They got it when they survived that Halloween. And then they lost it willingly when they threw me out.” Kysa snapped at him.

“Don’t you think that is a bit harsh?” Dumbledore tried. “Kysa, this is your family.” He motioned to the three Potters, obviously believing he was merely dealing with a stubborn child.

Kysa sneered. “They are not my family.” She pushed up her sleeve, and showed the rune shaped scars. “As I said, I’ve been blood adopted. Do you know what that means? No, well I suggest you ask her-” Kysa jerked her head at the now crying Lily.

“We only wanted what was best for you. I didn’t mean for it to go this far!”

“What’s done is done. There’s no changing it. You are not my family. My family consists of my dad, my uncle, aunt, cousins, grandparents and the Avengers.” She stood. “You have no part in my life.”

“Yes we do!” James yelled. “We are your parents!”

“You are no such thing! Can you honestly look at me and say you see anything of yourself in me? Take a good, long look at me and tell me, what single feature do you or I share?”

He scrutinized her, looking for an answer that would prove him right, but he found nothing. That much was obvious in his expression.

“I would appreciate it if I only heard from Professor Potter- and then, only in a professional capacity as my teacher. I have no need of contact with any of you in any other way.” Without waiting for a dismissal from the headmaster, she stood, turned and left the room. She didn’t go to the great hall; however, she fled to a deserted alcove to get herself together. She had been like a cornered wild animal in there. She had expected a meeting like that, but not this soon, and not without one of her family present. So she had lashed out. She knew that she was well within her rights to lash out but she shouldn’t have. She should have been able to keep control of herself, shouldn’t she? She shouldn’t lash out when her emotions got the better of her in-front of the enemy. And they were the enemy. They had cast her out, and then tried to drag her back.

She felt something wet on her cheeks and wiped at them, before realising that she was crying. She silently cursed herself. Get a grip, Kysa. They aren’t worth your tears. They are beneath you, and so are those who will undoubtedly support them in this. You have your family, and they are the only ones who matter. You don’t need to cry over any confrontation with them.

“Kysa?”

The young Asgardian’s head shot up and she saw Hermione standing in-front of her, clearly looking worried.

“Hermione, what are you doing here?”

“You were taking an age to come to lunch- so I came to find you.” Hermione answered. “I’m glad I did now. What’s wrong? Why are you so upset?”

“It’s nothing. Honestly.”

“You’ve been crying. Something’s wrong.” She sat next to Kysa on the small bench that was in the alcove. “You can tell me. I just want to help.”

“Have you ever heard of a blood adoption?” She asked.

Hermione shook her head. “No, I haven’t.”

“It’s a way for an adoptive parent, or parents, to become the parent of their adoptive child as if they were the ones to sire them. It’s very hard to do and takes a lot of magic. But, it means that, say my dad wasn’t actually my dad, he could perform the ritual and then it would be as if my actual father had no part in my birth, but dad was the one to sire me instead. Do you see where I’m going with this, Hermione?”

She nodded. “You’re adopted.”

“But I am every part his daughter. His and Sigyn’s.”

“She adopted you too?”

“She is actually my birth mother. She came to earth, and became mortal. Lived a normal life. Came to this school. Got married. Had twins. Abandoned one in favour of another.”

Hermione gasped at what Kysa was saying. “You mean she abandoned you?”

Kysa nodded. “She wanted to focus on her son. Looking at it, it was the best thing she could have ever done. I have the best family I could think of. And that mortal wizard is no father of mine. They had the adoption forms already signed, just hoping he’d take me off their hands you know. My birth father didn’t even bother to turn up. It was just her.”

“That’s why you don’t talk to her family.”

“They won’t acknowledge her as their daughter so long as she’s mortal. To them, she’s already dead. They blame dad for it. Say he allowed her to go off and roam Midgard. I don’t care about them though. What I care about is that now, after all these years, those fools think I’m going to run right back into their open arms and we can play happy families.”

“Is that what Professor Snape wanted to talk to you about?”

“He took me to the headmaster’s office. The three of them were there. Tried to convince me to ‘come home’. I have a home. And it is not with them. I don’t know how they can think that they could compare to my dad and family.”

“Who are they?”

Kysa looked right in her friends eyes and her face became an impassive mask. “The Potters.”

“So, what is this blood adoption thing?” James asked.

“It means that Loki has erased your blood connection with her and stepped into the gap left by it, basically. She is his biologically as if I had slept with him to have her.”

“I don’t want an image like that in my head mum!” Hadrian protested.

“Sorry Hadrian.”

“Neither did I.” James sighed.

“Is there a way to reverse this?” Dumbledore asked.

“Yes.” Lily nodded. “But it’s very complicated. If I were still Asgardian it would take until next summer to prepare. As it is, it will probably take until the summer after that.”

“You would condone it?” James asked surprised.

“You are her parents by right. I see no problem. She was born of Potter blood. She and her brother are the only ones able to continue on the blood line.” Dumbledore explained. "And he illegally changed the adoption papers too. This is merely setting it right."

James nodded. “Thank you Albus.”

“But you can get her back? In the end?” Hadrian said to his mother.

Lily nodded and smiled sadly. “Yes, I can.”

“And we will.” James said, confidently.