Phoenix Ascending: Rising from the Ashes

Chapter 8: Twisted Paths

A day has passed since their return from the land of the dead, a place which turned their lives 180 degrees. Everyone dispersed since there was too much information to digest in a day. They agreed to meet the next day in Diagon Alley to continue purchasing and to discuss their next move.

As Isabella sat with her parents in the cosy living room of the place she had called home for 17 years, she gazed at them with a mix of disbelief and gratitude. Her heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of surrealism as she revisited the memory of casting the Obliviation Charm on them, erasing their memories to ensure their safety. It was a bittersweet experience to witness the recognition in their eyes, a feeling she had lost hope of ever experiencing again. Reflecting on her gratitude to Lady Death for granting her a second chance with her parents, she made a solemn decision. She vowed to use all her abilities to train them in magic, equipping them to stand their ground in the face of potential danger. She realized that hiding was not a viable solution this time, especially with the vast resources of magic and knowledge at their disposal. Knowing her parents' unwavering determination, she understood that they would never agree to hide, so she resolved to prepare them for any circumstance that might arise.

With this resolve, she approached them to know their opinions on this and to plan ahead accordingly. She was surprised to learn they had decided to move into the Granger Manor with all their belongings without further ado and, on top of that, planned a nearly perfect distraction for Dumbledore in case he dropped by. After a few changes here and there, they called for the Granger house elves who helped them in shifting the majority of their belongings, keeping a few items such as suitcases, with them for their decoy. After everything was sent, they asked the elves to keep the manor for their accommodation and requested one of them to stay back. As per the plan, everyone loaded their luggage in the boot of the car and Mrs Granger informed the neighbours that they were going on an international trip and would not be back before September mentioning to keep an eye on the kitchen garden they have. They departed from their ex-residence and after driving for a while stopped. As if on cue the House elf whose name was Toby, clicked her fingers and they popped away to their new home.

The Granger Manor was huge, like Hogwarts huge. They were thankful for the help of house elves otherwise it would definitely have been a hassle to do chores. After arranging everything and getting the house tour by Hectare, the Head elf, they settled in the parlour and called for high tea and snacks. It was a much-needed break with some family time after the hectic day. The parlour was a vibrant and inviting area adorned with a combination of earthy tones and pastel hues, creating a cosy atmosphere ideal for casual socializing and intimate family reunions. Its lofty ceilings were accentuated by expansive, floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offered a picturesque panorama of the lush gardens encircling the estate. This harmonious space was a serene sanctuary, perfectly suited for unwinding and rejuvenating the senses.

As they all sat down, Isabella's parents asked her to recount the events of her previous life and where they had been at that time. They assured her that now they had regained their memories from the wizarding world, they were willing to assist her in any way they could. Isabella hesitated at first, worried about their response to learning that they had been subjected to obliviation, but, ultimately decided to tell them because she believed they needed to know.

She eagerly started recounting her journey from the moment Professor McGonagall had arrived with the coveted Hogwarts acceptance letter. Her parents had been filled with a mixture of fear and excitement at the prospect of her attending a school they knew nothing about. They feared for her well-being in an unknown place, yet they were also filled with anticipation for the opportunities that lay ahead. They hoped that Hogwarts would provide her with the chance to break free from her introverted and know-it-all nature, acquire new knowledge and skills, and most importantly, form lasting friendships.