My Name Is Callie Swan

Part One: Across the Pond

Callie's POV
Albus Dumbledore is my father.
I keep repeating this sentence in my head as I stare blankly at the birth certificate in my hands.
Obviously I always knew Albus was not my father, him being so old, but I always thought he was some sort of relative.
"Callie? Say something please?" I look up and for the first time, the old man looks actually nervous.
"I just- I thought that I was somehow related to you. That maybe my mother loved me very much and just died in the first war."
"She did, dear! She loved you oh so much, and unfortunately did pass away in the war."
I roll my eyes a little.
"Albus." It feels weird calling him that, and he looks a little like it stings to hear. I instantly regret it.
"She gave me away. She was married to another man, and two years later, she had another son. She gave me up without a second glance, I'm sorry if I don't feel loved."
Dumbledore sits for a second, and sighs.
"During the time when you were born, James and her were having troubles. They were having trouble having a baby, so they took a little break. Your mother traveled and came across the small town of Forks, Washington in America. There, she met a muggle who enchanted her. His name was Charlie, who was in his own crazy relationship with a woman of the name of Renee. In a moment of weakness, the two met for one night, Charlie being 18 and your mother being 20. After that night, your mother returned to England, only to find out she was pregnant. She came to me, begging her to hid her from evil forces-"
"Deatheaters."
I whisper, and the only man nods.
"I did as she asked and you were born on the 3rd of November 16 years ago here, in Hogwarts. James had gotten into a little trouble in the past nine months and your mother had heard. One night, after the two of us fell asleep, your mother wrote a letter explaining that you were to stay with me, that no one was to know that you were her daughter. She got back together with James and a little under two years later, they had Harry. Your brother."
"Harry Potter is my brother?"
He nods, and I look back down at the paper.
"Lily died that night, protecting Harry, but there is something else you should know."
I looked up at him, waiting for him to continue.
"Voldemort learned of your existence and he killed Lily not only for protecting Harry but also because she would not give up your location."
We sat in silence for a moment, silent tears running down my pale cheeks.
Finally, I got the strength to ask,
"Why are you telling me this now?"
Albus lifted a box onto his desk and opened it.
"This is all your mothers things. Including the letter, and her old wand."
I sit up to take a look in the box.
"The letter," he starts pulling it out.
"States you are the sole recipient of all her personal belongings, which unfortunately isn't much. Just some clothes, a Griffindor robe, the wand, and the letter. The letter also says that on the eve of your seventeenth birthday, I am suppose to give you these belongings and send you to America to spend time with your father."
"Wait. My father knows about me?"
I was suddenly angry.
"Callie. He is not part of our world. Neither is his daughter."
"He has another daughter? So both my parents replaced me."
"Callie, my love. His daughter was not a replacement, she came as a surprise, just months after you were born. He was only 19. Lily wrote him a letter explaining that you existed and were in good care, but by the time that he read the letter, she may not be with the living anymore. Charlie searched for you for many years, it destroyed his relationship and estranged his other daughter. He finally accepted that Lily promised you would be sent there when you turned 17. He began to understand that you needed to learn to control your powers."
I nod, finally understanding.
"And my brother and sister? Do they know?"
Dumbledore strokes his beard.
"Bella, your sister did not know until recently. The minister made a special exception. "
"And Harry?"
"Ahh, Young Mister Potter. I will tell him while you are visiting your father. In the meantime, you need to start packing for America. You will be spending break there until the school year begins."
I gulp and nod, turning to grab my trunk.
Albus walks out of the room and into his personal chamber, as I do the same.
I carry the box filled with Lily Evans' belongings.
I swallow hard as I pass Snape's chambers, knowing he will stare as I pass. He always does.
He peaks from the book he is reading, staring at my mess of orangish red hair.
I pick up my pace and run towards my room.
I throw the box on my bed and look through the remaining content. The wand is interesting, being made of what seems like willow.
I put it in my boot with my current unicorn hair wand.
Then I put a couple sweaters, my Griffindor scarf and gloves, and other essentials in my trunk.
I look in the box one last time, and see another letter, this one is addressed to a Caroline Evans-Swan.
Is that my real name? I've always just gone by Callie.
I take the letter in my hands and try to decide whether or not I should open it.
I roll my eyes, of course I should open it.
I rip the envelope off as gently as possible and unfold the letter.
My Dearest Caroline,
This is your mommy, Lily Evans- Potter. I know this might be quite a shock. I am so sorry I am not here to see you now. I know you are the strongest witch ever( being raised by Dumbledore, I expect nothing else). Please, my darling, do not overestimate your strength and be willing to ask for help. I love you so much, and I know Charlie will too.
Always be brave, and cunning, and smart, and kind. I cannot wait to see you again.
Love,
Mommy.
You think I would be crying, but Lily Evans doesn't even know me. She may be my mother but she is definitely not my mommy.
I put the letter back in the envelope and toss it in the trunk, locking it up and hauling it down the stairs and towards Albus' office.
"Farewell, my love. Please be careful. I love you. I will see you at the beginning of the school year."
I hug the old man and whisper an ' I love you.'
Then, Hagrid helps me to carry my trunk to an outside carriage, and I am off to America.