Blood (thicker than) Water (but what about) Lemonade?

House by the Sea

This story begins not on Privet drive, nor in a magical castle. In fact, it begins nowhere near Britain. This story begins in Canada, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, on Vancouver Island.

To be more specific, at a home on a beach. The beach was made of smooth, round stones and the occasional piece of drift wood. The beach was small, sectioned off at the ends with rather high cliffs and evergreens. In front of the beach was the ocean, stretching out far as the eye could see, and usually a bit choppy, due to the constant Pacific wind. A pod of Orca whales live just off the coast, barely visible in the distance when they breach. Behind the beach, a number of sand hills covered in saw-grass have a trail leading to a large, beautiful blue-gray Victorian house. A family lives there, despite its lonely, abandoned appearance. Actually, it's only to the Muggle's eye that the house seems depleted. To a wizard, the true identity of the occupants, the house is magnificent. Three stories high, with large, wide windows, and a front and back porch that never seemed to be repainted, the house had a comfortable, satisfying look to it.

The Ardrees occupied the blue-gray manor. Ray, his wife Sydney, and their daughter Avril.

Ray and Sydney were Aurors. They fought dark wizards who supported Voldemort, who was the most evil wizard of all. When Avril had been just one, Voldemort was felled by a British boy by the name of Harry Potter. However, some still remained loyal to their master and presented it by causing as much trouble for the Ministries of the world as they could. Being an Auror included constantly chasing after them, and putting them in wizard prison. Some even went to Azkaban, the worst of them all.

Despite their occupation, the Ardree parents were highly good spirited. They remained serious only as long as their job lasted before returning to their good natured, humorous selves. Perhaps the superb Aurors, voted first in Canada in Which Witch Magazine, have their daughter to thank.

Avril, fifteen since July 31st, was brilliant, friendly, and strikingly pretty.

Avril held an intense, athletic body (from her years of Quidditch playing (chaser)) with all the right curves. She had a creamy complexion on her oval shaped face, and long, dark, slightly curled chocolate colored hair to her elbows.

She had inherited her father's warm, teasing humour, and her mother's facial features, though she had color from both parents hair.

Ray was rustically handsome, with wavy blonde hair and pale blue eyes. Sydney was often told she resembled a Victorian beauty with her shiny black hair and eyes the color of flint.

Avril had also inherited her parents' forbearing dispositions. She was always patient and understanding about their demanding job-which was liable and well known to call them away on important business whether it be midnight, a birthday, or even Christmas.

It hardly ever bothered her, as she was more than willing to remain at the manor with their maid and good friend Mrs. Walker.

Never secretive, always eager to hear other people's troubles, and glad to spend even five minutes with each other, the Ardree family was close. Ray and Sydney liked to think they knew everything about their daughter. But, despite Avril's open nature, there was still one thing that remained to be seen. Her eyes.

They were a stunning, deep and lustrous green, ringed with dark blue and gray, and specked with violet. Anyone who saw them were instantly drawn to admiration for Avril's enchanting eyes. They were wide set, framed with thin black lashes and went well with her face, which was never pale, though never tanned either.

However, with these beautiful eyes came an oddity. It seemed that whenever Avril underwent a sudden burst of emotion, before she could even express it, her eyes would ignite with color. Depending on the emotion, her eyes could suddenly form the most vibrant fuchsia, the palest blue, the darkest green or the stormiest gray. No one was sure what in Avril caused these changing (especially when her eyes could stay one color for days), only that it was connected with her emotions. But, seeing as Avril's vision was perfect, and her health fine, no efforts were made to observe her, no assumptions were made. This was granted, of course, by the fact that Avril didn't tell anyone about the sharp pain she felt behind her eyes whenever they changed. The pain only lasted about a moment, and she enjoyed having this unique quality about her, so she remained quiet.

As well, every once and awhile mercifully when Avril was alone, things would happen. Small, light things would float by themselves and such. If Avril were to spill a glass of milk, it would stop before hitting the ground. It was strange, but Avril chose to ignore it. There was enough controversy about her eyes without having another oddity to worry about.

Ray and Sydney were often away. Whenever dark wizards struck anywhere in North America, they'd be called immediately to aid their fellow Aurors. That was why Avril hadn't been enrolled in her mother's old school, Hogwarts. Sydney had been in the opinion that Avril deserved the best schooling available, and had put up a vicious (in a matter of speaking) fight to have her sent there. Ray, on the other hand, didn't want Avril being sent so far away. "I hardly see her as it is!"

He had protested during one of their frequent debates. "I'd like to at least be able to catch a glimpse of her over summer and Christmas! Besides Sydney, if Avril goes to Hogwarts she'd have to spend the holidays with-" Ray had then been silenced by a stern look from Mrs. Walker and the conversation had abruptly turned. Avril, at age eleven, was enrolled in Elixtus School of Magic, where her father had attended during his school days.

Elixtus was hidden deep in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, far from the highways, railways and any Muggle's eye. Avril loved it. She was Chaser on her Dorm team, had tons of friends and was first in every class. And though she truly felt like she was the happiest girl on the Earth, Avril couldn't help but wonder sometimes, about the other school, Hogwarts. What was it like, was it the same as Exiles? Did they have Quidditch teams and Dorms?

Avril surmised that she would, if she were to go there, stay with her uncle. She knew that her mother had a brother who lived in England, but whether he was older or younger was unknown. Anytime she asked, Avril would be told to go out on her broomstick, clear the table, clean her room, or do her homework. The uncle factor remained one of the only, and biggest, mysteries of the house.

2

A Woeful Occurrence

Today, as Avril worked on her Arithmancy homework at the dining room table, her mind wandered to family. Her parents were off chasing death eaters in Minnesota, and had been gone for quite a while-two weeks, in fact. Avril's fifteenth birthday had been around four weeks ago, and it had been very fun, as her parents were there this time. She'd received a new broom ( McNally (national standard broom)) from Ray and Sydney, a quantity of cards from her friends and, best of all, a beautiful brown and white specked hawk owl from Mrs. Walker.

Avril was ecstatic as she'd never had an owl before and named her Athena (after the Greek Goddess of wisdom). Now that there was only about a week left, Avril had decided to finish off her homework (it was actually additional work-she'd finished her real work ages ago), and then start her pre-Quidditch training as to defend her Chaser title.

But, as Avril worked away at a self-set essay on whether or not the ancient sage Pythagoras deserves credit for Arithmancy's 'second idea', she began to wonder about her parents.

"Mrs. Walker? Has there been an owl from Mom and Dad yet?" she called into the kitchen, brushing a chocolate colored curl from her eyes.

Mrs. Walker poked her head round the door and smiled apologetically. "No dear, I'm sorry."

With a disapproving look at Avril's huge text book and massive rolls of parchment, she said "Avril dear, why don't you go out to the beach? Fly your new broom for awhile? I'm sure your parents will send some word-they're never gone for long."

Avril gazed out the enormous bay window, towards the beach, for a moment before shutting her Arithmancy book with a sigh. "All right. I mean, they're probably really busy, right? Should I send Athena-"

"Go on!" cried Mrs. Walker, handing Avril her McNally and shooing her from the dining room.

Ten minutes later Avril was astride her broomstick and flying high above the choppy gray water of the Pacific ocean.

She swooped and dove, savoring the salty air, flying low enough for her toes to skim the water, then higher than a misty cloud. Flying fast and far, to the edge of the coast, Avril's mind felt deliciously clear. She was able to think rationally, and often went flying when troubled about something.

There was something romantic and breathtaking about flying. She'd been doing it since the age of four, when Mrs. Ardree had left her Nimbus 900 outside and Avril had climbed aboard.

The amazing thing was, that after she'd fell off, broken both her legs and had them instantly healed by Mrs. Walker, Avril had wanted to try again. And she did.

Flying quickly became Avril's gift-inherited from her mother, who had been a prime Keeper for her 'house' at Hogwarts. Avril's position differed slightly, as a Chaser, but anyone who watched Avril fly knew where she got her skills from.

Avril soared around for about another half-hour before returning home for lunch.

She slid the screen door open and called "I'm back, and I feel great! Great, but starving!"

No reply. Avril went her bedroom and slid her broom under her bed. She then headed to the kitchen.

"Hello? Mrs. Walker? I'm-" she stopped. Mrs. Walker, was sitting at the dining room table with another man. Avril recognized him.

His name was Dervus Jing, a man from the Canadian Ministry of Magic; he worked with her parents. She remembered one day, around Christmas, the Ardrees had been sitting in the living room, exchanging their gifts, when he had suddenly apparated in their hallway.

"Dervus!" Ray had laughed joyfully. "Merry Christmas! Have some eggnog!"

Dervus, however had not seemed joyful at all. "I'm afraid, Ray, that you're needed at the Ministry. Levis and Reidik finally managed to catch Fletcher Morgus, but he won't talk about-" he had trailed off pointedly, glancing at Avril, then continued. "Anyway, we need your assistance."

"Oh, but-" Avril had begun before stopping herself. She hadn't wanted to seem selfish. The next moment, her parents too, disapparated and had left her alone in the house (Mrs. Walker was visiting her daughter at the time).

"Oh, hello Mr. Jing," she smiled oddly. Why would he be here? He knew that Ray and Sydney were on a mission, what was up? Then she noticed that Mrs. Walker was very white, and was clutching the edges of the table in a very frightening way.

"Good afternoon, Miss Ardree," replied Dervus Jing in a strained voice. He stood and fiddled anxiously with his hat. "I-I'm afraid there's been an accident. Involving your parents."

Avril too went white. "They-they're OK? Right? I mean, are they at the hospital now?"

"No, Avril," croaked Mrs. Walker. "They've been killed-they're dead. I'm so sorry."

Avril felt as if her body was losing an enormous quantity of blood. Her vision began to blur and her knees to shake. Her mind spinning, Avril caught only a few of the words being spoken to her. "Chasing Death Eater... Cornered him... Suddenly, more came... Surrounded... Outnumbered... we found them just before they orrsaparated. Avril, I'm so sorry." Avril sunk into a chair. Dead? Her parents? Her mom and dad? No! It was a mistake. A sick, sick joke. Well, she wasn't about to fall for it. "I, I think I'm going to my room. For my homework. Yes. I have an essay to do," she muttered, and hurried upstairs to her room. On her way up the stairs, Avril stubbed her toe, but felt nothing. Actually, just when it seemed as if she would never feel again, Avril felt a sharp explosion of pain behind her eyes. She cried out in pain and stumbled into her room, in front of her mirror. Blinking desperately, trying to rid herself of the pain, Avril saw that her greenish-blue eyes had changed into an angry, stormy gray. Then they filled with tears as the realization of what she had just been told came down upon her.

She would never see them again. Ever. They hadn't even found the bodies! Never again would she fly with her mother. Never again would she hear her father's hearty laugh. Sadness overcame her like never before and Avril collapsed onto her bed in a spasm of choking sobs.

She cried for a long time. It was almost dark before she ran out of tears, and gave in to exhaustion. While dozing fitfully, Avril heard a quiet knock on her door. She forced herself to sit up and rubbed her eyes. "Come-come in."

Her voice sounded dead and hollow. Mr. Jing gently pushed the door open and entered the room. He sat across from her on her desk chair. "I'm very sorry. If it makes you feel any better, they've received another Order of Merlin, first class to their name, and a Supreme Mugwump award as well."

Avril didn't reply. So? They weren't alive to enjoy it.

"I'm afraid, Avril, that they didn't leave a will. So, according to the Department of Underage Wizards, you are to be sent to live with your uncle in Britain."

Avril looked up.

"What? Why can't I stay with Mrs. Walker? What'll happen to our house? What about Mom and Dad's funeral?"

"Avril, they orrsapparated before we could recover their bodies. You know that if a body orrsapparates before they are un-jinxed, they won't reappear again. They're gone. But rest assured, we will hold a funeral."

"Why can't I stay with Mrs. Walker?" Avril asked, feeling more and more miserable by the second.

"She's not your legal guardian. Your-your uncle is. I'm also afraid that, in about two days, you'll have to go. There's only a week before school starts, and we want you to get to know you're guardian before then." Mr. Jing explained patiently.

At sight of Avril's face, Jing leaned forward. "Avril, I know this is all very sudden, but try to understand, if you linger here, you may be in danger."

Avril suddenly shivered. "What do you mean, in danger?"

Mr. Jing now looked very uncomfortable. "Your parent's funeral is tomorrow. I've arranged it with Julienne, and I know you'll have a eulogy written. You aren't obligated, but I'm sure you'll want a part tomorrow. I'm very sorry Miss. Ardree. I wish there was something I could do, but, considering the circumstances... Well, good night."

He turned to go.

"Wait," Avril blurted, before he left. "Who is it? My uncle, I mean. What's his name?"

Jing averted his eyes. He knew the man, as a friend of Ray and Sydney, and had taken a deep disliking to the man ever since the incident. Imagine! He thought to himself every time the man's name came up, going against his own sister. His twin! It was good he came back. It would have been an awkward situation for Sydney if she'd had to catch him.

Dervus still didn't trust him though. He may say that he's on our side, Jing often thought, but I think there are some spots that don't come off. Poor child. He thought now, as he studied Avril's sad and stricken face. She's not due for any happiness in the near future. I hope she pulls through.

She will. The Ardree's are like that... Strong...

"Severus, Avril," he said, trying not to sound quite so cast down. "Severus Snape."

3

A Little Ray of Sunshine

The funeral was held the next day. Gray clouds and salty tears composed the event, making it almost unbearable for Avril to abide. But, her eulogy came last, after quite a few, and was, by far, the best. She wasn't nervous as she stepped up to the altar; how can you have butterflies in your stomach if you have no insides? Avril looked at the assembled. Friends, fellow Aurors and Ministry workers had attended. There wasn't any family close enough-her grandparents were dead and Ray had been an only child. Avril glanced down at her parchment, then back up to the audience.

"I just want to say," her voice caught. She swallowed and tried again. "I- I just want to say that my parents were-were amazing."

The eulogy was about fifteen minutes long. Avril had poured her heart into the composition. The brilliant writing caused the friends and coworkers of Raymond and Sydney Ardree to laugh, cry and admire Avril beyond belief.

Afterward, during the reception, Avril stood quietly off to the side as people chatted somberly and drank potent tea.

She gazed into the sunset, not wanting to believe what had happened within the last forty-eight hours, wanting it to be a horrible nightmare. At least if it were a dream, she could wake up cold and clammy, take a warm bath and share it with her family in the morning.

Mrs. Walker approached the closest thing she had to a granddaughter, and placed a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder. "Avril, I-"

"I'm fine," interrupted Avril, getting tired of saying it.

"Of coarse you aren't," said Mrs. Walker quietly. "How could you be? I've known you since you were a little tot, and never, ever have I seen you so sullen."

"Yeah. Too bad that's not a good enough reason for the Ministry to let me stay here with you," muttered Avril, turning to face the closest thing she had to a grandmother.

"It's really for the best, Avril. I won't be around forever, and this way, you'll have a guardian young enough to care for you."

The elderly witch peered into the young witch's slate-gray eyes and felt lost in the orbs. "Avril, life is composed of many surprises, hardships and unfortunate happenings. A lot of people try it, face it, and can't manage the challenges. But people like you Avril Ardree, you can get along. You're made of stronger things than most, because you're your parents' child. All you have to do is look life in the eye and form a mental Patronus."

Avril raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying..."

"One day, life will make up for the blow it has dealt you, and maybe, just maybe, you can accept its apology."

Avril looked terribly confused. Mrs. Walker smile knowingly. "Trust me, Avril. You will be happy again. Now come along. We've spent enough time here. Its time to go and pack your things."

****

The next day Avril stood upon the appareling platform, luggage cart and owl cage at her side.

"Well, bye then," she said unhappily. Mrs. Walker hugged Avril again. "I'll send Hades every while, and a post owl as often as I can. And," she added, her eyes twinkling, "I'll come and visit you sometime." Avril brightened for a moment. "Really?"

"Promise," said Mrs. Walker, just as a burly looking wizard announced "Last call! appareling for Britain in three minutes! All underage apparatees should approach the middle of the platform to ensure their safety!"

"Go on now, and don't forget to smile, be polite and remember: the man meeting you is Hagrid. Call him Professor, or Mr. Or whatever he wants you to. Also-"

"Last call!" Repeated the man, looking pointedly at Avril.

"Bye!" cried Avril, hugging Mrs. Walker for the last time, and pushing her cart towards the middle of the platform. "Keep your head, Avril Ardree!" called the maid. "You'll be fine-just remember- happiness only comes upon those who seek it!" then, as an after thought, "and the very lucky!" Avril almost laughed, but waved instead as a whistle blew and the sights and colours swirled around her. She felt her feet lift off the ground and pure whiteness engulf her. There were about twenty other people with Avril. Mostly under-age wizards and others without their licenses. During the trip, no one spoke. It sounded like the stories Avril had heard from a Muggle-born friend; about Muggles in-elevators?

About five minutes later, her feet touched the ground and regular surroundings appeared as did she.

"OK, people!" shouted the conductor. "Welcome to Hogsmeade, England!"

Avril stepped off the platform and looked around. The surroundings were charming-like they hadn't been changed since the early thirteenth century. She unloaded her luggage, two large suitcases, a trunk and her owl Athena, and had the trunk and suitcases shrunken to pocket-size by the conductor.

Once settled, Avril tucked her luggage into her parka pocket and, carrying her owl in its cage, moved to the side of the cobblestone street, which was very crowded and began looking for a pub apparently called the Three Broomsticks, where she was due to meet the man called Hagrid.

Before she found it however, Avril, who had been looking at a creature that greatly resembled a hag, walked into a man the size of an ogre. "S-sorry," she mumbled, averting her eyes and righting Athena's cage. "Tha's righ. Yer fine," the giant told her. He was about the size of three men, complete with a tangle of bushy black hair and an unruly beard. He could have been fierce, if not for his eyes, which were beady, black and full of warmth.

He turned to go, but then looked at Avril more closely. "Wha's yer name girl?" he asked suspiciously. Avril, who was not to be impressed upon by this man, in front of so many people (who were beginning to watch), held his eye. "Avril, sir. Avril Ardree."

The man let out a booming laugh as warm as his eyes. "Pleased ter meet yeh Avril! Names 'Agrid. Rubeus 'Agrid. Care for Magical Creatures Professor and Gameskeeper at 'Ogwarts."

"Oh!" said Avril, now very pleased her search was over. "Pleased to meet you too Professor Hagrid." Hagrid dismissed this with a wave of his enormous hand. "Jest call me 'Agrid. 'Eryone else does."

Avril nodded, indicating she understood, and nervously shifted Athena's cage from one hand to the other as they lapsed into uncomfortable silence. "Well," Hagrid finally said, after a few minutes of studying each other, "better get yeh ter th' castle-someone's waiting fer yeh!"

Avril forced a smile and wondered curiously if her uncle was feeling as sick as her at the moment.

Snape, in fact, was. Even more so, if at all possible. This was nothing like teaching a Potions class or holding a detention, basically the only things Snape excelled at with children This was going to be very difficult. Especially because it was sudden. He'd had no time to prepare for his niece's arrival. He'd undergone the arrangements through Dumbledore with the Canadian Ministry of Magic and bought her school supplies. That was it.

But the nervousness he felt was not only concerned with the welfare of his niece, it was also due to the fact she was the daughter of his twin sister, Sydney. When he had received the owl with the news, Snape had reacted so strangely he had taken the entire staff by surprise. He'd had almost no time to mourn, as he'd had to prepare for Avril's arrival, but the sadness was there. His coworkers all saw it.

He and Sydney had been close as children. Twins, actually, and she was the only person who'd really cared if her lived or died. She understood the way he acted, and had been his only confidant throughout the course of his childhood. She'd always been there. Which hadn't been easy, considering the fact that Sydney had been in Gryffindor and he in Slytherin. But somehow, she'd managed to look out for her twin.

Then they'd graduated. Sydney was working at the Three Broomsticks for extra money when she'd met a young Wizard, an Auror on a mission. Ray Ardree.

Then she'd left. She'd gone back with Ardree and married him, had a child. She'd left Snape. Snape made bad decisions to take revenge on her for leaving, by becoming a Death Eater, then grew up, in a matter of speaking, and took up teaching. Dumbledore became his confidant, listening to his problems (though Snape really preferred to keep them to himself), and providing useful advice and a comforting presence.

But now Snape had a responsibility larger than teaching, larger than brewing potions. He had a child to take care of.

Severus Snape drummed his fingers nervously on the arm of the chair he was sitting in inside Dumbledore's office. "Relax, Severus. Anxiety will do you no good," said Dumbledore calmly, not looking up from the book he was reading.

"Easy for you to say," growled Snape, now tapping his foot on the mahogany floor. "You aren't a total-" he broke off, deciding it sounded too melodramatic to say "prat, beast, sod or git"

"You aren't expected to uncle someone you don't even know," he covered quietly.

"Yes, that is true," smiled Dumbledore. "But you seem to have forgotten that you are a professor and deal with children all the time. One girl should make no difference."

Snape merely nodded, deciding not to dispute further. Suddenly, there was a loud bell ringing somewhere in the castle, and Dumbledore stood up. "Well, that's them. Ready?"

Snape didn't answer, but stood up quickly. The two headed down a series of stairwells to the Entrance Hall, and saw the door to the Great Hall open. With an inviting smile, Dumbledore offered the door to Snape and he went ahead inside.

Avril gazed around. "This is much bigger than Exiles," she commented. "How many Dorms do you have?" she asked Hagrid. "Four, I think." He answered, hoping that by Dorms she meant Houses. "Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw an' Slytherin. Won' tell yeh anymore-I'll let yeh for yer own opinions. Ah! Professor Dumbledore! Professor Snape!" Avril went cold and turned slowly. Standing in front of her were two tall men. One had a long white beard and startlingly blue eyes hidden behind half-moon spectacles. He smiled warmly. The other had to be her uncle, she determined, due to his shoulder length black hair (which he'd subtly washed in order to create a good impression) and pale skin. He look a lot like her mother.

The thought created a tightening in her throat, which she swallowed.

"Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Miss. Ardree. Very pleased to meet you," said the older Professor kindly, extending a thin, bony hand. Avril smiled nervously and shook it.

Then she looked up at her uncle. Being fifteen, Avril almost reached his shoulders and still had to look up.

"H-hi," she said quietly, the butterflies now bouncing off the walls in her stomach. At least her insides were back! She held eye with Snape as she did with everyone, not being the object of shyness, and saw his eyes were black, like Hairdo's, only without any trace of warmth. Actually, Avril, knowing how to read the expressions within people's eyes (what with eyes like hers), thought she saw something like fear flickering about.

Snape stared down his nose at her. She's pretty, he thought. Looks a lot like Sydney-but a lot like that Ray too. Why the hell did this happen to me? Unable to say anything, Snape nodded a thank-you to Hagrid and beckoned Avril to follow him. Avril waved a tense good-bye to Hagrid and Dumbledore before hurrying after her uncle.