Echos of Love

First Year

Amara awoke bright and early this morning, an unusual sense of happiness accompanying the start of her day. Why? Hogwarts! It marked the beginning of Amara's first year at Hogwarts, which meant she was free from the Levines. The Levines, her adoptive parents, were far from ideal. To Amara, they were nothing more than two elderly wizards clinging to outdated notions of pure-blood superiority and infallibility. In the initial years of Amara's life, the Levines tried relentlessly to mold her into their insufferable image. Yet, by the age of six, their futile attempts had subsided, marking the onset of a more sinister chapter in Amara's life.

On that birthday, Amara had her first Unforgivable Curse cast on her. The Levines demanded she sit propriety. However, Amara's spirit craved freedom, wanting to run and play. So she escaped to play with Marvin—her cousin, Marvin was simply her best friend.

When the Levines found Amara in her muddy and disheveled state, their anger surpassed all bounds—especially considering they were clean freaks. The 5,000 Galleon-dollar dress she proudly wore now had mud stains all over. Amara's final birthday celebration concluded with an agonizing six days of isolation in her room, a punishment she had often, coupled with the infliction of cruel curses that left indelible marks on her innocent years.

Fortunately, the Levine's house elf, Ivy, played a crucial role in making their home somewhat bearable. Amara sprang out of bed, readying herself swiftly. She skillfully braided her hair, adding a touch of charm with ribbons on the ends – all in the hopes of leaving a positive first impression. Opting for a red long-sleeved shirt and dark blue jeans (thinking it might boost her chances of landing in Gryffindor), she aimed for an outfit that struck the right balance.

Just as she was about to complete her look, a knock echoed through the door.

"Yes?" Amara responded, on the hunt for her missing shoe.

"Mistress Cecile wanted me to kindly ask you to hurry up," Ivy conveyed, her large green eyes fixed on Amara.

"You really should stop sugarcoating what she tells you to do. You can get in trouble, Ivy," Amara remarked, slipping on the newly found shoe.

"Ivy is not sugarcoating; Ivy is just rephrasing what mistress said," Ivy clarified.

"Alright, thanks, Vee. I'll be out in a minute," Amara assured, standing up and examining herself in the mirror. Gazing into her eyes, not to boast, but genuinely loving them, her left eye featured a hazel hue with a hint of blue, while her right eye sparkled in vibrant emerald green. She was certain she didn't inherit these eyes from her father, Sirius Black, a man she hardly thought about – considering him a murderous lunatic. Instead, she speculated that her eyes came from her mother. With one last look at her outfit, she walked to the door of her room where her luggage was laid.

Exiting her room, she descended the stairs, hoping to avoid encountering the Levines. Anticipating a driver to take her, as Platform 9 ¾ was filled with Muggles, she walked to the front door and, upon opening it, was met by Cecile and Dominic Levine.

"Glad you decided to grace us with your presence," Cecile smiled brightly.

"What? Oh! Hi Laura. Hey, Marvin!" Amara greeted 2 out of the 3 Andersons.

"Good morning, Amara. Pleasure to see you," Laura said.

Amara just smiled.

"You'll be accompanying the Andersons to Platform 9 ¾. I expect you to be on your best behavior," Dominic said firmly.

"Yeah, I will. Bye, see you after term," Amara said, walking away.

"Amara! We will see you at Christmas. We expect you to attend the ball," Cecile said.