Catherine Potter ~Book 1~ Sorcerer's Stone

Catherine turns 11

It had been an exhilarating day for Catherine. She had been measured for her robes which she had trouble doing because it took time and Catherine detests to standing still for even a minute. Afterward, Aunt Minerva bought her a striking Tawny owl for Catherine to send out letters as she pleases. She loved the owl at the instant, naming her Athena after the Goddess. 52

"Do I need an owl when I get to Hogwarts?" She asked, "I doubt that I'd have anyone to write to since you'd be there with me." Aunt Minerva looked at Catherine, remembering how this girl next to her never felt true friendship in all those 9 years. "Owls make for great companionship, you'll need her as much as she will need you."

The two were now on their way to a shop Catherine had much-anticipated of going every since she found out that she was a Witch. Aunt Minerva opened the shop door, the little bell ringing joyfully as the two went in the premises and approached the front desk of Ollivander's Wand shop. An old man with voluminous white hair looked up from his desk, his eyes were aged but still twinkled nonetheless. 12

"A wonderful afternoon isn't it, professor?" Ollivander said, putting away his books. Aunt Minerva nodded, "Catherine, this is Mister Ollivander." The girl smiled bashfully at the man and introduced herself, Catherine was cautious since she had only seen two Wizards one of them being her Aunt and the other being her frequent visitor, Severus. 73

"Charmed to meet you, Miss Potter," He said taking a closer look at Catherine then turned to Minerva, "You look more of your father, I dare say! Although, you do have your mother's eyes," Ollivander commented as he took a box from below the counter, "I can still remember the day your parents came in for their first wands, Miss Potter." 27

He handed her a wand, "Try this. 9 inches, cherry wood, and Dragon heartstring," Before Catherine could even say a word, the wand was in her hand, she gave it a swish and the water in the glass which was set across the room turned to solid ice, "Is that a good thing?" She asked anxiously as she looked at Ollivander over her shoulder. 12

Catherine was given a new wand by Ollivander, "This one is Hawthorne and unicorn hair." He said transfixed on what may be the outcome. With a flick of her wrist, the wand produced absolutely nothing. Catherine swished it a few times but nothing had happened. Ollivander took the wand from her and examined it carefully, "It seems like this wand likes you, Miss Potter. Alas, it will not work for you." He shook his head and replaced the wand back into its box. 9

"Try this one. 10 inches, Yew, and unicorn hair," He said handing another wand. This time, Catherine made a miniature tornado and sent boxes of wands in the air. Luckily, Minerva was there and stopped it. Ollivander went to the back of the shop and several minutes later, he came back with another box. Catherine took the wand and immediately closed her eyes as she waved it in front of her. 11

The vases of wilting flowers were once again in full bloom, humming the tune of Beethoven's Fur Elise. Catherine grinned upon this and turned her head to her Aunt and Ollivander, "What is it?" Ollivander gently took back the wand and wrapped it in its box, "11 ¼ inches, Mahogany like your father's. Very good for Transfiguration," He said with a wink. 79

Minerva paid him for the wand and whispered, "Mister Ollivander, we would appreciate it if everything that happened in the four corners of this establishment did not go out to the public." 1

"Of course! I'd rather have a Dementor suck my soul out before I'd tell anyone." Ollivander said as they went out of the shop. "Not necessary but thank you!" Minerva said. The professor thought it best to keep Catherine's true parentage unknown until the right time comes. 1

Catherine tapped her Aunt's shoulder and looked at her bug-eyed, "What's a Dementor?" 131

~

They ate their supper at their residence; a simple hearty meal of Lamb stew, rice, potatoes, and chocolate pie for dessert. Catherine began to mash her potatoes with her fork, a habit she often did during eating when her curiosity levels reached its limit, "What were my parents like, Aunt Minerva?" 11

Minerva started to clean up the table as she spoke, "Your mother, Lily, she was a good student. She was sorted in Gryffindor with your father they didn't get on very well though. You look like her with the exception of your hair, but I do remember that you had red hair as a baby." 59

Catherine sat up straight, "Really?" She asked imagining herself as a redhead.

Minerva chuckled at her, "Really. As for your father, he was a menace, which explains your attitude young lady," She said, reminding her the time she accidentally cursed the lady next door who stole their newspaper to go temporarily bald. "Anyways, your father, James, fancied Lily. Every time he tries to speak to her, she shuns him." 6

Catherine laughed, "Oh, poor dad. What happened next?" She asked, her eyes glittering with excitement.

Minerva grinned, "He changed," She said, "For your mother. His trips to detention decreased, no more pranks and what not. Later on, he became Head boy, imagine that? Lily finally saw his good side and then they went on to be good friends." 30

"That's nice." Catherine said with a small yawn, "Thank you, Aunt Minerva." She said as she hugged her. She wanted to say how much she wanted to thank her for everything. For taking her away from the Orphanage, for treating her like her own daughter, but she felt something that made her think Minerva already knew this. 8

"You're welcome, sweetie." The woman said, kissing the top of Catherine's head, "Now get to bed! It's a big day tomorrow, you don't want to be late." 11