The forest was filled with a myriad of sounds, ranging from the warbling of the beautiful songbirds to the creaking of the blooming trees. It was clearly the beginning of summer. A crispness could be felt in the warm air, a slight sourness in this picturesque place. All was not well. The songbirds sang fearfully, as though a hunter was coming. The trees, basked in sunlight, drew ominous shadows on the green grass.
A figure appeared at the edge of the grove, hidden by the shadows. He had a leather game bag slung over one shoulder, looking grimly into the forest. His face was wrinkled not because of age, but because of stress. His clothes were frayed and patched, but clean. He has a slight frame, almost skeletal. He had lived through poverty many times.
The man walked through the woods. The birds began singing again. Everything was back to normal. He walked along a well worn path, concealed by the brush. It led to a little cottage surrounded by irises. He stopped and sniffed them, inhaling their sweet scent, then opened the thick wooden door.
The cottage was clearly inhabited by at least one bibliophile. Bookshelves were scattered throughout the main room. Books were piled on every available surface. A young girl, about eleven years old, was lounging on the couch, reading a leather-bound book. The man coughed quietly and she looked up.
–Morning, Uncle Remus,†she said cheerfully. She put a pressed maple leaf in the book, marking her place, and walked over to him. Remus put the game bag down next to the door and hugged her.
–Morning,†he answered. He ruffled her hair, something she loathed. –What were you reading, Iris?†She showed him the book, titled Fairytales of the Forest.
–It’s one of Mum’s old books,†she explained, hugging it close to her body.
–Yes, she loved it. She would write notes in legends she liked.†Remus unpacked the game bag in the kitchen. It was filled with groceries. He picked up his wand and waved it. The groceries flew to their places and the bag flew to the corner of the small kitchen. A letter was on the counter.
–Is that my Hogwarts letter?†Iris asked. Remus hid it behind his back. She snatched it away and read it eagerly. –It is!†Remus chuckled and ruffled her hair.
–I suppose we’ll have to go Diagon Alley. I have to pick up some things for my classes. And I guess you’ll want your wand.†Iris glared at him.
Iris walked out of the fireplace and brushed the ashes off her clothes. When she looked up, the first thing she saw was a large wanted poster. The man on the poster glared at her with angry grey eyes, very much like her own. Remus saw her puzzled look and looked at the poster. He frowned and put a firm hand on her shoulder. He steered her out of the Leaky Cauldron and headed towards Madam Malkin’s. They stopped as they reached it. Or rather, Remus stopped short and Iris ran into him.
–I’ve got to take care of something for my first years. Can you go in by yourself?†She nodded. –I’ll be back soon.†He walked off towards the Magical Menagerie. Iris swallowed and opened the door.
The shop was somewhat small but very clean. A little too clean. A woman greeted her at the door. Like the store, she was small but clean.
–Can I help you, dearie?†she asked in a kind tone of voice. Iris looked at her for a moment.
–I need Hogwarts robes,†she answered quietly.
–First year?†Iris nodded. –I’ve got another girl in the back that’s getting her robes too.†She hurried towards the back. When Iris didn’t follow, she turned around. –Come along.†Iris cautiously followed her farther into the store.
The other girl was about Iris’ height with brown hair tied neatly in a ponytail and light green eyes. The woman helped Iris onto a stool and then measured her.
–I’ll get your robes in a moment, dearie,†she told Iris. She went behind the racks of dress robes. The other girl stared at her.
–Are you starting Hogwarts this autumn too?†Iris asked her. She nodded. –I’m Iris.â€
–I’m Astoria,†she said quietly. –What house do you want to be in?â€
–Gryffindor. It’s where my mum and my uncle were sorted. You?â€
–Either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. My mum was in Ravenclaw, but my dad was is Slytherin. My sister’s a third year and she’s in Slytherin. She's horrid.†They chatted about Hogwarts for a little while until Madam Malkin came back.
–Since you are the same size, I went ahead and got both of yours.†She handed a parcel to each of the girls. –And your uncle is here, dearie.†They went to the front of the store where Uncle Remus was waiting. He was holding a wire cage. The most beautiful tawny owl was inside.
–I thought that you were getting something for the first years?†Iris asked. Uncle Remus blushed as he handed her the cage.
–It is for one of the first years,†he admitted. –Happy birthday, Iris.†He paid for the robes and they left.
–Bye, Astoria!†she called behind her shoulder.
–Bye!†she yelled back.
By the time they reached Ollivander’s, Iris had named the owl Nike, for the Greek goddess of victory. Uncle Remus opened the door for her and they went inside.
Mr. Ollivander was sitting behind a worn, wooden desk. He stood up when he saw them.
–Afternoon, Mr. Lupin, Ms. Potter,†he whispered. Iris blushed.
–How did you know my name?†she asked shyly.
–You have the same look on your face your mother had when she got her wand here.†He pulled out a measuring tape. –Which is your wand arm?†Iris stuck her left arm out.
–Left.†After he measured her, he went into the back room. Iris turned to Uncle Remus.
"Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.†Mr. Ollivander came back with a large pile of boxes. He picked up the first, opened it, and offered it to Iris.
–Pear and dragon heartstring, rigid.†Iris picked it up and waved it. For a second, nothing happened. Then a large purple hat appeared on Uncle Remus’ head. He made it disappeared with a wave of his wand. Mr. Ollivander took the wand back.
–Let us try the next then.†Iris tried every wand in the pile until they reached the last one. Each had done something spectacularly wrong. Mr. Ollivander offered her the last wand almost timidly.
–Dogwood and phoenix feather, springy.†She waved it. It felt warm and familiar. Uncle Remus looked up from vanishing the ten hats she had accidentally conjured.
–That is the best match I’ve had since…†He trailed off when Uncle Remus looked at him. He boxed it up and Uncle Remus paid. Then they were off to the Leaky Cauldron to Floo home.
Iris albicans by Lost_Robin
Chapter Endnotes: Next chapter is the Hogwarts Express and the Sorting! Thanks for reading and please leave a review. Iris is bored and wants to answer them.