Harry Potter & The American Priestess

Chapter One

When Doe woke the next day, the house was quiet. She padded across the floor and listened for any sounds of life aside from the cats. Nothing, the Figg must be out. She got dressed, used the 'loo' (as the Figg called it), and went downstairs. The cats mewed as she passed them, but did not leave their respective spots. She noticed that none of the photos in this house moved. She could remember that all the photos moved at the Salem Academy. She stopped in front of one and waved at the people in it. They did not wave back. "Curiouser and curiouser" she mused. She sat down at the table and ordered a soda. Nothing happened. She asked a little louder. "I would like a cherry SODA!" Maybe the Figg had charmed this place to only answer polite requests. "If it would not be too much trouble, I would like a cherry soda, please."

"What's the matter? To good to walk to the 'fridge?"

Doe whirled around to see the Figg standing in the doorway. She had a slight grin on her face. Doe was confused. The Figg pointed to a large white box in the corner. She started walking to the refrigerator, then stopped. "Figg, do you not have elves?"

"You can call me Mrs. Figg. No, I don't have elves. I don't have anything magical, aside from my scrawny brother." Mrs. Figg laughed at herself. " I'm a Squib. That means my parents were magical, but I am not."

"Is that why you have peasant photos?"

"Peasant? Is that what you call non-magic folk?"

Doe nodded. "Do you not call them peasants here?"

Mrs. Figg laughed even harder. "Oh, I'd love to see their faces if we tried. No, we call them Muggles. But, of course, not to their faces. They wouldn't understand"

"Muggles?" Doe started giggling. "That sounds as if they are out to steal from us." She continued to the refrigerator. She stared at the box, waiting for it to give her a soda. "Mrs. Figg, why does the 'fridge' not allow me to have a soda?"

The look on Mrs. Figg's face scared Doe. Mrs. Figg was turning a dreadful shade of red. What's going to happen to me if she is no longer living? Doe started back towards her to offer some help. The hoot of laughter from Mrs. Figg startled Doe. She had never heard someone cackle like a witch when they weren't one.

"Haven't you ever been in a normal house? One without magic?" Mrs. Figg asked when she got her breath back.

"No," Doe looked at the floor. "I was raised without peas-er, Muggle conveniences. Then when I went to Salem, we had elves." Doe's eyes immediately brightened. "This will be so much fun!" Mrs. Figg was staring at her now. "I will be able to learn what is in a normal house!" Doe started dancing around the kitchen. She stopped and turned towards Mrs. Figg. " I will need your help in learning what everything is and how it works. Especially V.T."

"Especially what?" Mrs. Figg asked.

"V.T. You know--what the Muggles sit in front of to see moving pictures?"

"Oh," Mrs. Figg nodded, now understanding. "You mean TV" Doe blushed when she said this. "No problem, we'll get to that. But first, let me show you what a 'fridge is." Mrs. Figg walked to the refrigerator and opened it. "Come here, child." Doe walked over. "You open it by pulling on this handle. You shut it like you would any other door. Sodas are there," Mrs. Figg started pointing. "And there's milk, orange juice, lunch meats, mustard, mayonnaise, eggs, and everything else you may want." Mrs. Figg walked away and opened a small door. "This is the cupboard, food that is canned is here." Doe shut the 'fridge and went to where Mrs. Figg was standing. " And here," Mrs. Figg pointed to a box on top of the counter. "This is where I keep the bread. You really don't need to worry much, though, about knowing all this in the beginning. I'll be making all your food while you're here." Mrs. Figg started making some tea. "I forgot to ask, do you drink tea?"

Doe shook her head. "No, Mrs. Figg. I do not drink tea. May I have a soda, please?"

"Of course, dear. Help yourself." Mrs. Figg got a box out of the cupboard. Doe looked at the box and grinned. They were her favorite cookies. "Have a biscuit?" Mrs. Figg asked while her back was turned. Doe's grin faded. She really wanted a cookie, but if biscuits were eaten here, then she would eat them. Her stomach growled to remind her that even though she may not want a biscuit, her tummy did.

"Thank you, Mrs. Figg. Do you have marmalade?"

"What?" Mrs. Figg turned to look at her. "You eat marmalade on biscuits?" A look of understanding crossed Mrs. Figg's face. She pointed to the box. "What do you call these things?" she asked Doe.

"Those are cookies, are they not?"

"Ahh," Mrs. Figg handed Doe the box. "We call 'em biscuits. Have some."

Doe got a 'biscuit' and then got a soda. She was enjoying the learning, and wondered if she was going to have to leave before she learned more. She sat at the table and listened to Mrs. Figg talk about the toaster, the cooker, and the teakettle. Doe knew about the kettle, but only because she had to learn how to make one out of a turtle. She asked questions, and got to learn how to use all the 'appliances'. When it was time for bed, Mrs. Figg said something when they were walking up the stairs that startled Doe. "By the way, when the bird takes flight, it always screeches. Wakes me up. Needs to try to be quiet until it gets above the houses. G'nite."

Doe stared after her. Mrs. Figg knows about my eagle? Will she tell Albus about my flying without permission? Maybe she shouldn't go out tonight. She was awful curious about the neighborhood. But, then again, there was that wizard, and that owl, in that house down the way. If he saw her, he may try to capture her. Doe had heard many stories in Salem about the dark wizards in Britain. She wrestled with the decision of what to do until she reached her bedroom.

When she opened the door, that snowy owl from the other night was sitting there. No, that's not the same owl. It does not have the same eyes. Doe stared at the owl then reached a hand out. The owl hooted softly at Doe, as if encouraging her. "Would you like something to eat? I may be able to find something you like." Doe reached toward the owl. "Come, sit on my shoulder, and we will see if there's something you want." The owl came to her as if Doe were her owner. They went downstairs and rummaged through the cupboards. After a few undesirable foods were tried, they finally found a food that the owl would eat. Doe laughed at the variety of foods the owl liked. "I was not aware that an owl would drink tea." As they made their way upstairs the owl hooted again, this time with contentment. Doe checked the owl over for injuries and found none, but discovered that it was a she.

"Can you understand me? Do you belong to that wizard with the glasses?" The snowy owl's eyes became larger and the owl hooted softly. "I thought so. You are very lovely. I wish I knew your name, beautiful one. I know, I'll call you Chokma. That means 'beautiful'." Doe stroked the feathers on the owl's back. "Why are you not with him now? Did he cast you out? Was that you I saw last night in that wizard's window? I don't think it was, that owl did not seem as nice as you are. That owl looked at me as if it wanted to eat me. You have kind eyes, his were frightening. Scared me so badly I flew away quickly and almost got lost." Chokma looked at Doe and hooted inquisitively. "Oh goodness," Doe giggled, "I forgot to tell you. I can change to look like an eagle." Doe walked to the bed, carrying Chokma with her. "Of course it's not a perfect transformation, since I can't change the color of eyes or my hair--well--feathers. Always silver feathers. No matter what I tried, that was the one thing I couldn't change." She put the owl on the mattress, and lay down beside it. Doe began to preen the feathers, starting right behind the owl's head and working down her back.

Doe continued to stroke Chokma's feathers and murmur softly to her long into the night. When Chokma started to close her eyes and fluff her feathers in preparation to sleep, Doe realized that she had no perch. She went downstairs and looked around for something that would do as a perch. Finally deciding on a coat rack, Doe lugged it upstairs. It wasn't until she got it into her room and put the owl upon it that she realized that she could have used magic. She looked over at her scepter. Could I use magic in a non-magical house? I'll ask Mrs. Figg tomorrow. Even though it was late, 11:30 p.m. by the clock, she was not sleepy. Her brain was whizzing with all the new things she learned today. She looked outside and wondered if there were any other magical people around, aside from that one wizard. Maybe I should fly over and see what he's doing. I wonder if he has replaced this beautiful owl. She looked down the street in the direction of his house. I hope he has. She started at that selfish thought. She had never wished negative things on anyone, not even the elders that were her guardians. She sighed, staring out at the few stars that could be seen.

Harry could not believe his luck. He had tarried through dinner, to the point that Uncle Vernon threatened to make that meal his last for a few days if he didn't hurry up. But the tactic worked. Uncle Vernon was in such a hurry to get downstairs to watch his TV shows he had actually forgotten to put the locks on the doors! He had, however, locked the knob. Harry wasn't worried about that, since he would use one of the blades in Sirius' knife to unlock it. He looked at the melted one, and tears came to his eyes. I wish I knew if you were ok, Snuffles. You are the closest thing to a father I'll ever know. I swear I will find you. I know you are alive, somewhere. He shoved some clothes and pillows under his blankets and bunched them up to look like he was under there. He then grabbed his wand. Harry slid the blade into the lock, and turned the knob. He opened the door cautiously, and peered downstairs. All three of them were staring at the screen. He thought of the owl in his bedroom, but Harry knew that the window was open and the opening in the bars just large enough for the owl to get through. Harry crept forward slowly, and shut the door as quietly as possible. He waited until he heard Dudley laughing, and then clicked the knob lock into place. As he was tiptoeing down the stairs, he saw Aunt Petunia get up and head towards him. What was I thinking? Why didn't I get that invisibility cloak? Harry gave himself a mental slap. He froze on the stairs, waiting for her to see him and scream at him for being out and Uncle Vernon for not locking him in like an animal. Please go back, please go back, please go back. She stopped, got a funny look on her face, and turned back into the room. Harry hurried down the stairs, and heard his uncle asking her why she came back without the popcorn. Harry quickly went outside before she returned. He began walking down the street thinking I'm free of them for now.

He walked aimlessly, not really wanting to go anywhere, but not ready to go home. He looked as if he had not a care in the world, but he was on constant alert, remembering what happened last year. Before he knew it, he was near Mrs. Figg's house. I don't remember wanting to go this way. She'll go into fits if she finds out I left the house tonight. He looked up at the house and saw a girl looking out of the window. He ducked behind a bush, wishing again that he had remembered his invisibility cloak. When he peered over the top of the bush, she was looking straight at him. Great, now I'm in for it. She stared at him as if he had two heads. Well, he thought might as well get it over with. He stood up and smiled at her. The girl was extraordinary now that he got a good look at her. The first thing he noticed was the hair. Gray, no not gray, silver. How very odd. He waved at her, and she disappeared back into the window. He heard an owl hooting, and wondered idly when Hedwig would be getting back. He wasn't too worried about her, since he knew it took some time to get to Ron and Hermione, and he didn't need a reply. Hedwig would probably hunt for few days before heading home. He continued to stare at that window, waiting for the girl to return. When she didn't, he turned around and began the walk back to Number Four, Privet Drive.

Doe was scared out of her mind. That wizard tracked me down. He knows I was at his house. He knows I have his owl. I have to get out of here. I need to hide. She began to pack her things. She didn't know how noisy she was until she heard the knock at the door.

"Is everything alright?" Mrs. Figg asked.

Doe opened the door, and pulled Mrs. Figg inside. "Mrs. Figg, I was followed, tracked down. He is after me; he wants vengeance for my having his owl. I have to leave, Mrs. Figg. Will you help me?"

"Wait a minute, child. Who is after you? What owl? Why do you need to hide?" Mrs. Figg was bewildered.

Doe explained everything that happened. Her eyes were wide with fright, and she was pacing very quickly around the room. She finished with, "So you see, I have to hide." She was almost breathless from her panic. She looked at Mrs. Figg, and was surprised to see that she looked upset as well.

Mrs. Figg was talking to herself. "Has that boy totally lost his mind? He knows that he is in danger anytime he leaves that house. I'll have to talk to Albus about this. He will be very upset when he hears about that boy wandering around." She looked at Doe. "I'm sorry, child, for ignoring you just then. Don't worry; you've done nothing wrong. You have nothing to fear from that boy. His owl will return to him when she's ready. Unpack your things and join me downstairs in ten minutes for some hot chocolate. One more thing, don't let the birds out, if you know what I mean." She left the room, still muttering under her breath. Doe stared after her and wondered what Mrs. Figg was going to talk to Albus about.

When Doe went downstairs, Mrs. Figg already had the chocolate poured into the cups and marshmallows added to Doe's. Just the way I like it. Mrs. Figg motioned for her to sit down and handed her a plate of biscuits. Mrs. Figg sipped at her chocolate for a few minutes before speaking. "I talked to Albus. He is sending someone to talk to Har-that boy. He asked me to tell you that you are free to leave the house during the day when I have to be out. I would like to add that I would appreciate it if you don't leave this street. I would like for you to be able to see the house. I understand your transfiguring ability, but this is a Muggle area, and they would not. We will go out to the country on the weekend, a place that is protected by anti-Muggle charms, and you can do as you please."

Doe's face lit up. "Really? I may run, fly, whatever?"

"Yes, child, you may. Let's go to bed, and we can discuss it more tomorrow." Doe was so happy about this, she forgot all about asking Mrs. Figg about using magic in the house.

Harry had just reached the front door when he heard the deadbolt lock slide into place. Great, he thought, the deadbolt doesn't have an outside key. Now what am I going to do? I can't bloody well say "Alohamora." That will have the Ministry on my backing an instant. I can't go back to Mrs. Figg's house, that girl is there. And if I'm not there for Dudley to torture tomorrow, I'll catch hell. As he was standing there contemplating his options, he heard a CRACK coming from down the street. He knew that sound usually meant that a witch or wizard had just Apparated or Disapparated. Harry dove into the bushes. He held his wand tightly; ready to hex whomever came close.

He waited for what seemed like hours, even though it was really about five minutes. His chest felt as if it was going to explode. He felt as if he hadn't breathed at all since he got in the bushes. You stupid git, he thought, realizing that he hadn't. Breathe. He took a slow breath, scared to breathe normally in case that person was still around. He was thinking about risking punishment from the Ministry when he heard a rustling next to him. He slowly turned his head, expecting to see a gray rat with a missing toe. Instead he saw a tabby cat looking back at him. If I didn't know better, I'd think that cat upset with me. He tried to shoo the cat away, but it wouldn't move. He prodded it with his wand, and that seemed to do the trick. The cat walked out to the front of the bushes, and turned to face him. Funny, that cat looked familiar. Harry watched as the cat stood on its back legs and then it's paws turned into shoes. Bloody hell, he thought as he looked up into the very disapproving face on Professor McGonagall.