Chapter Text
It’s been three years since Alana Potter defeated Voldemort at seventeen. Three years of the wizarding world eyes on her. Two years since she finished at Hogwarts school. Two years of her magic changing and acting out. Technically three years, but she was busy fighting a war to notice. She forgot about the second magical maturity that happens at seventeen. Also, the secondary sex that manifests. Although, that was not fully her fault, as she was not informed that wixen don't manifest their secondary daring puberty like the mundane, due to the first magical maturity at eleven. She thought she just didn't have one as rare as that was.
Wixen manifest their secondary when they are twenty-one, after their magic settles. There is a potion that causes the manifest to occur early, for those whose magic is wild and strong. Alana is one of them. Only problem is it requires singed documents from a guardian to give permission. As a wixen is not legally an adult until they are twenty-two to provide help and support while getting comfortable with their new sex. For mundane-borns, they stay within the guardianship of the school’s headmaster or heads of house. Alana though, was different because, although she was raised in the mundane world, she was born into an old magical family. So, her guardianship falls under her blood family, the Dursleys.
As such, she had to hunt them down. Almost four years free of them, thinking she would never see them again. She found her aunt and uncle in Portsmouth, a city close to Marge, Vernon’s sister. They haven’t changed really. Vernon was still big with hardly any neck, moustache bushy. Petunia with her long neck and horse-like face. Their new house was just as overly decorated as #4 Privet Drive. They both still looked at Alana as if she was beneath them. They were looking at Professor McGonagall the same way, as she explained why they were there.
“...And I can assure you, that Alana will only stay with you for a month, after she take the potion as we get all parchment work handle. Then she would be under the school’s guardianship.”
Vernon scowled at that. The thought of the freak being back in their house was an unpleasant one for him. Petunia had other thoughts. She was worried about what sex would manifest in her niece. As both betas, the Dursleys had what they believed to be a relationship based on respect and trust. Petunia didn’t know what they would do if her niece was either an alpha or an omega. Could they live for a month like that?
“Is there a way to know how she would manifest as, beforehand? We would have to adjust too fast if she was not a beta. If we knew beforehand, we would have more time to plan for the changes. A month is a long time and can be hard on us all.” Petunia asked, playing at the concerned aunt.
“Yes. There is a spell I can cast now that will give us the likelihood of each outcome. If you will allow me too.” McGonagall stated, with thinning lips. She saw right thought that act. Minerva knew how awful these people were. She loathed the thought of leaving Alana here, but she had no choice. The law said clearly that the parchment work could not start until after an early manifestation happened.
Vernon thought of what his wife asked. He knew they could not live peacefully if the freak was an alpha. Even if it was only for a month. If she was a beta, they would be fine. He would have power over her if she was an omega. Hmm, that brought up a new thought. If she was an omega, he could get rid of her faster. There were a lot of ways to make one disappear. Maybe he could make some money off her. A way to get back what he- they lost.
“Please, cast the spell.” He spoke a little too fast. Petunia gave him a look, as if she knew what he was thinking. “Of course.” McGonagall cleared her throat pulling out her wand and, “Revelatio sexus secundarii”
A pale purple light shown at the tip of her wand and a single sheet of parchment shot out.
Alana June Potter
July 31st
Secondary Sex Chanes Percentage
Alpha: 5%
Beta: 40%
Omega: 55%
They all stared at the parchment with various looks. Alana, with a look of horror, just knew she would not last a month if this was the likely outcome. McGonagall, with a look of worry, started to think of any and all strings that could be pulled and favors she could use to make the parchment work move faster. Petunia, a look of barely concealed disgust because, of course, her niece would be, what she thought was abnormal. Vernon could just see the money rolling in. He needed to fine tune his plan, and everything would be good. Alana could see the gleam in his eyes. She could not stay here. She needs to plan. But she also needed to know what her uncle was planning. She had a week before her appointment. The only people she could trust were her two best friends. She would talk to them and get every set and ready. She needed to do research too. It was going to be a long week, she thought as she watched Vernon and Petunia sign the documents.
Ω
Ron and Hermione were shocked to say the least when she told them what happened. Not because of the spell’s results but because of what she saw in her uncle’s eyes. Although she thought it should be the other way around. She said as much too.
“Why? The reason wixen manifest so late is not just because of the magical maturities we have. But also because Magic determines what we need most.” Ron said with a look that was confused and a matter-of-fact tone. “After everything you been though, wouldn’t you think that you of all people would need to be taken care of?”
“But- “
“But nothing. Alana, being an omega is doing what you already do. You put the care of others and their needs before yourself. I think being an omega will be good for you. I think you’ll learn that you deserve to be cared for and your needs met. You can still care for others and be cared for too.” Hermione softly said.
Alana shifted uncomfortably. Even now at twenty, after war and loss, she still had a tough time understanding how others could care for her, love her without wanting something from her. She knew she cared for her friends, for Ron and Hermione, the Weasleys, Andy and Teddy. She would do anything for them. She would give up anything for them. She had, even her life. She loved them with her whole being. She had no problem with that. The problem was them loving her. She knew why they loved her, but a small vocie in the back of her head that sounded of the shrillness of Aunt Petunia’s mixed with the slight condescending and calmness of Headmaster Dumbledore’s, telling her she was worth little and others deserved more.
After the war, when she would think back to the war, to before the war and to before Hogwarts, she realized a lot of what happened to her didn’t need to. All the abuse and neglect from the Dursleys. All the “adventures” she and her friends had in the first few years at Hogwarts. That all could’ve not happened. Did not need to happen except for the decisions and inactions of one old man, who thought he knew best. When she went back to Privet Drive, in search of clues to where her aunt and uncle went, she found more. Letters, back and forth, between, at first, Petunia and Dumbledore, then Vernon and Dumbledore. Explaining the need for Alana to be impressionable and have lack of self-worth. That she needs to be raised with a firm hand. And to be told nothing of where she came from. She learned of the manipulations that ruled her life.
It’s been a year since she found the letters, and she grew to hate the old man for the role he played in the misfortunes in, not just her life, but in the lives of those she loved. Dumbledore had the power to help Sirius, before and after his stay in Azkaban. He had access to knowledge and power to set up better protection for her mom and dad, they hid. Shortly after the letters, she when to Gringotts and had her parents’ will unsealed and read. Dumbledore was clearly stated as witness to both the will and the Fidelius charm binding. The will also stated that Peter was the secret-keeper, but Dumbledore had it sealed. So, Sirius suffered then die, her mom and dad die, and she suffered. And now she will most likely suffer more.
Ω
Hermione started researching laws, trying to find something that would help. It took her three days. With her being under Hogwarts guardianship, she had access to the library. It was a small book on legal of-age adulthood of all countries registered with the ICW. Most countries in Europe are twenty-two, some even older. With Alana needed to blend in with the majority of the mundane, she needed a country with a culture similar to England’s. Although there was a lot that fit, the age of adulthood was too high. The lowest was in America, being the age of twenty. Her current age. Now all they needed was a city she could hide in. It had to be big enough that her presence would go unnoticed. Also, where there was not a high number of wixen. So, New York was out, being where the headquarters of MACUSA was.
“Why don’t we ask Bill? He’s been all over for his job. He might have an idea. And if not, he can point us in the right direction.” said Ron.
Hermione hummed. “Would he even know anything about the U.S? I thought he was mostly in Egypt and Greece.”
“He was, but he knows people who was in other countries. One of them is bound to know.”
“It’s worth a try. He doesn’t need to know we ask. We’ll just say you are doing a personal project, Hermione.” Alana spoke before their words got heated. She knew the two so well, she could hear the subtle changes to their voices that told of an argument on the horizon and how to stop it.
“Oh alright! As this is about you, Alana, we’ll follow your lead. For the same reason, you should be the one to ask.”
“What?! Why me?” Alana’s eyes widen on alarm. She had a tough time talking to the eldest Weasley. Not because she was scared. She wasn’t. She was, however, full of guilt (She’s also topped with embarrassment, as she had always had a small crush on him.). His scars never failed to remind Remus. And thinking of Remus made her think of Teddy and how she couldn’t be around him due to her magic acting out. Now she was leaving him to save herself. That thought ate at her.
“Because this is for you and you need to get over your guilt.” Hermione said firmly.
“But I’m leaving him”
“No. You’re doing this for him. It’s only temporary, just unlit the parchment work is down.”
“Besides,” Ron added, “Bill has been worried that you’re mad at him or something.”
“I would never be mad at Bill.”
“Well, you avoiding him is making him think that.” Ron challenged with a raised eyebrow.
“Fine.” She stated blankly, “I’ll ask him tonight.” Tonight being the weekly dinner at the Weasley’s. It started as a way to comfort Molly after the war and losing Fred. Then it just kept happening. Who was going to be there changed every week. Alana herself hasn’t been in three weeks, scared her magic would get out of control. This week however, she was being strong-armed into going. Guilt trips and sad puppy eyes from Ginny were the weapons of choice that week.
She waited until after dinner when everyone was milling around and talking. There was a full house tonight, all the remaining Weasley, Kingsley and his wife, Aberforth (who was also strong-armed there), Hagrid, Nevile, and Minerva. Andy was meant to be there with Teddy, but the little guy came down with the flu. All night she was getting pointed looks and kicks to the shins from Ron and Hermione. Sighing, she goes and asks to speak with Bill for a moment.
After explaining why she has been avoiding him and apologizing, he explains the best place to find information on magical cities is from Gringotts. Her relationship with the goblins is better than it was at the end of the war, but it’s still rocky. She still had almost every goblins eyes on her when she went there. Their relationship is only better because she not only helped pay for the repairs to the building, but she also helped with the repairs herself. She knew that they charge her a higher price for services due to resentment but she delt with it because she understood. She was glad she was able to talk them out of resentment towards Ron and Hermione.
She knew Gringotts was the best place to get services under the radar. They could keep any and all information regarding what is asked of them from the Ministry…for a price, of course. Following Bill’s advice, Alana walked up to a teller and asked to speak to her account manager. She hasn’t spoken to her account manager much. Only three times, for an annual review meeting. Those meetings were an all-day thing as her family accounts were stagnant for so all and the resentment held for her; they try not to have her in their back to many times. She only makes withdraws once a month, limiting her time there.
The Potter family account manager was a grisly looking goblin by the name of Grodbik. His office sat below a maze of twists and turns, behind a frosted-glass door lettered in fading gold. Inside, dark natural rock-wall gleamed in the light of the gaslight sconces gave. A massive oak desk dominated the space, neatly arranged with leather-bound ledgers, a brass letter opener, and stacks of documents sealed in red wax.
Grodbik sat in high leather chair, counting gems with gold balance scale. He didn’t look up or make any form of acknowledgement when Alana was escorted in by a younger goblin. Alana stayed just to right of the door as the younger goblin left. She made no move to go further into the office, knowing that would be seen as rude. She learned a lot about how goblin see wixen and why. It’s not really due to the laws that are discriminatory towards them, although that does play a dig role. It’s mostly because of how rude and entitled wixen are towards other species. Goblins are just as or even more powerful then wixen, they just have to grace to not be arrogant about it. Alana believes that is why the laws came about, because the first magic council that was formed in Britain knew how powerful they were and feared them. Same with other species like house elves.
After a few minutes Grodbik motioned for her to sit. She stepped forward and slowly sat in the smaller leather chair that sat in front of Grodbik deck. As she did, he finished his counting and folded his fingers on top of the deck. He looked at her with an unreadable expression. Finally, after what felt like forever but was only a few seconds, he cleared his throat.
“What can I do for you, Miss Potter? It is a bit early for our annual meet.”
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Alana pulled out a copy of Minerva’s spell results. She laid them softly on the deck for him to see.
“Due to how strong my magic has become; it was recommended to have an early awakening of my second sex. As I’m sure you know that requires a parent’s or a guardian signature. With me not being a mundane-born, my guardianship still falls under my mundane aunt and uncle. My uncle has always hated me, more then the dark lord I believe. I knew if I was anything other then an alpha, he would do something to me, somehow. When Minerva cast the spell, I kept my eye on him. I could see it in his eyes, he started to plan something. I knew I had to find a way to get away from him. A few friends and started to research where I could be safe from this law that demands I stay with them. We found that America has their age of adulthood set at twenty. I was hoping you would be willing to point me in the right direction of a large city with little to no magical presence. Can you help me?”
Grodbik studied the results as he listened. When she was done speaking, he sat silently, studying her face. Finally, a chilling smile crawled across his face as he hummed “For a price.”
Alana refrained from rolling her eyes. She knew he would say that if he agreed to help. She came prepared.
“I’m sure we can work something out. What’s your price?”
“1000 galleons.”
“500”
“950”
“600”
“800”
“750”
“…. Deal.”
Alana didn’t let it show, but she felt smug. It’s rare and hard to win against a goblin when haggling.
“Now you need a city in the US with little to no magical presence.” He confirmed as he wrote something on a piece of parchment. Alana nodded. Grodbik folded the parchment into a neat plane and sent it on its way. Pulling out more parchment, he handed it to her and said,
“This is an agreement for payment. Just sign on the dotted line.” Alana looked it over, making sure everything was in order. When she signed it and handed it back, a new goblin walked in, holding a stack of parchment. Handing it to Grodbik, he quickly left. Grodbik sat quietly looking over the parchment. He sighed softly before looking up at Alana.
“There are two cities that match your requirements. One being Columbia City, Indiana and the other being Gotham City, New Jersey. Both have no magical presence, although for very different reasons. Columbia City has none, due to having no ambient magic. MACUSA does not recommend living there because as you know ambient magic is important for growth, healing and magic use. Gotham City is also not recommended by MACUSA but not due to no ambient magic. Gotham actually has a high amount of magic due to the four ley lines that intersect there. It’s due to the ley lines that it’s not recommend. The high amount of magic coming for the lines Gotham has become sentient in a similar way that Hogwarts is. Unlike Hogwarts, Gotham is picky so to speak.”
“Picky? How so?”
“Gotham don’t like magicals much. You have to ask permission from Lady Gotham. Only four have been given permission to enter but not stay. No one has got permission to stay. You can try if this is where you choose to go.” Grodbik said gruffly.
“Say it is, what would I need and need to do to get permission?”
“You need to be within her borders. You would need white chalk to draw a rune circle, some rune stones to match your intentions and needs, and a small bowl of salt. You would put the bowl of salt in the middle of the rune circle and place the stones around the circle, then you’ll have to sacrifice seven drops of blood into the salt before reciting your chosen word in Latin asking for permission.”
“How would I know I got permission?”
“Lady Gotham will mark you in some way indicating what she grants you.”
Alana sat a thought about her options. She would need as much magic as possible to being to adjust to her awakening. With no ambient magic Columbia City would not be able to help her or would she be safe. It’d be too easy for Vernon to hire someone to track her that. Especially as she would need to travel by non-magical means to keep those in the wixen community from finding her. Gotham is the only option. She will have to try.
“I think my only option is Gotham. I have to try there first. If it don’t work, I’ll go to Columba City. Can you help with the paperwork to get there? I’ll add another 100 galleons.”
“Hmm…That is acceptable. We’ll have the paperwork ready in two days.”
“Thank you. I’ll stop by before I go in for my awakening appointment. I don’t know when I’ll be able to get to Gringotts next, so is there anything urgent that needs taken care of while I’m here?” Alana asked, standing up.
“No. I am confident if anything comes up we at Gringotts can manage it.” Grodbik said, dismissing her with a wave of his clawed hand. As Alana left the bank she felt there was hope for the future.
Ω
She made a mistake. She knew she did as soon as she did it. She just needed some happiness. So here she was, sitting across Andy in her kitchen, explaining what she was about to do. She wanted to see Teddy. To say goodbye. She would be gone for at least two years. Andy just sat silently and listened. Not interrupting. That is until she spoke of the guilt she held about not seeing Teddy as much as she should and how she is now leaving him to save herself.
“That’s enough” Andy said with the authority own to all mothers. “You are leaving him to save yourself. You are saving yourself because you deserve to be safe. Teddy will understand. You just have to explain it to him. He knows you have not been here much because your magic is acting out and you don’t want him hurt. The guilt you hold is not warranted. We need you safe. Teddy needs you safe. And if leaving for a brief period of time, then that’s what we need. What you need.”
Alana tried to hold back her tears, but a few fell anyway. Andy got up and rounded the table. She wrapped her arms around Alana in a way that made her feel like everything was going to be alright. They stayed like that for a few minutes, until they heard the soft patter of small feet. They pulled apart just as the three-year-old rounded the corner. Adorable amber eyes lit up when they saw Alana. His bright blue hair changed to a deep black as he screamed
“La-la!!”
“Teddy bear!!” Alana squealed, reaching her arms out to catch the boy as he jumped towards her. Holding him close, she kissed his face all over as he shrieked with joy.
“You come see me?” Teddy asked, tugging on her hair.
“Why yes! I did! I’m only ever here for you!”
“Not Grandma?”
“Oh no! Never Grandma Andy! Just you!”
“Good!”
Andy gasped, holding her chest. “I can feel the love from you two!”
Teddy and Alana eyes widened as they look at each other only to start giggling. Andy rolled her eyes as she got some apple slices out for Teddy’s snack. She gave a pointed look at Alana, letting her know it’s better to tell him now. Alana sighed, setting Teddy down on a chair.
“Teddy, baby. I got something to tell you.” She said softly.
“O-Tay.”
“I’m going to go away for a while. So you won’t see me for a long while.”
“Teddy come with?” he said with a tilt of his head.
“No baby. You can’t come with me. Ther- “
“Why not?!” he stomped his tiny foot and folded his arms.
“Well, um I- well I have some bad guys wanting to hurt me. And I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Bad guys? Like mummy and daddy bad guys?”
“Yes bad guys like the ones that hurt your mummy and daddy.”
Teddy scrunched up his face as he thought about what she said. Alana thought he looked adorable but knew she couldn’t smile or he would think it was a game. No matter how much she wished it was. She knew she had to keep him safe in any way possible.
Teddy sighed, “Go away and come back? Not like mummy and daddy go away?”
“Yes I’ll come back when its safe.”
“O-Tay.”
“Thank you Teddy. Now lets eat some apples and then play with your dragons.”
“O-Tay!”
They played for a few hours, defending the castle from the dark knight and saving the princess. Alana stayed for dinner; glad she made time to be here. Although she knew it was a mistake because her heart hurt even more when she left. She hoped the next two years would go by fast.
Ω
Alana’s awaking appointment was on Friday. She had stay at St Mungo’s until Monday, so she can safely and calmly awaken. Monday morning Minerva walking into her hospital room, ready to escort her to her aunt and uncle’s. Alana made one last check in her black expanded messenger bag, making sure she had everything Gringotts gave her. A mundane passport and temporary citizenship papers with the name Alana Evens, which would help her stay hidden in America.
Their arrival was quick and smooth. Minerva walked her to the door and inside; where she explained again that she would only be there for a month at most. She then bid her goodbye and left. Petunia ushered her to the guest room where she would be staying. About thirty minutes before Vernon was due home, she was called down to eat. Shockingly it was an actual meal of roasted meat, potatoes, and vegetables. She aet quietly and was back in the guest room a few minutes before Vernon opened the door. This was how the rest of the week went, sitting in the room and avoiding Vernon. Only being called for food after he left and before he got home.
It was at night that she got to move around. Just like when she was a child, sneaking out on silent feet, going though anything and everything she could to find what her uncle had planned. It was Friday night around eleven forty-five, when she heard Vernon on the phone, she found out what he was up to. He planned to sell her to an alpha, willing to pay a high price for an unattached omega. She knew she had to act fast.
Due to childhood habit, she always woke up early and listened to the sounds of the house. She knew Vernon checked her room every morning. So Saturday morning, she lay awake, waiting for Vernon to come and leave. When she was called down for breakfast she knew how she was going to escape. When she aet most of her food she looked up at her aunt.
“Aunt Petunia, is there anything I can do around the house for you? I know you were not expecting to have me in your house anymore and this was kind of shoved on you almost last minute, so if there was anything I can help with to make it easier, I will do it.”
Petunia pinch her face in that way she did when she was thinking something disgusting, then she sighed “Vernon has some guests coming over tonight for work, if you can vacuum and dust the front room? That would be appreciated.”
“Of course. I’ll start as soon as I’m done with breakfast. If you’ll tell me where the Hoover is?”
“Thank you. It’s in the closet by the front door.”
Alana nodded and went back to her food. When she finished she washed her plate as always the started on the front room. It took her two hours to finish the vacuuming and dusting. After she put everything away, she looked for her aunt. Finding her in the kitchen, she cleared her throat.
“I’m done with the front room. Is there anything else you need?” “No thank you.” Petunia said stiffly.
“Then I’m going to go for a walk. I’ll be back in an hour or two.” Alana nodded.
Petunia waved her off going back to preparing the pudding for tonight. That in itself showed Alana that her aunt knew nothing of what her husband planned. She turned and headed up the stairs to get her messenger bag before heading out. She walked seven streets over before she found an alley that she could apparate from. She landed in an alley outside Leaky Cauldron on the mundane side. She then walked another street over from Charing Cross, where she hailed a cab directing the driver to go to the Heathrow airport. As the diver drove, she pulled out a small letter box, then she penned a short message about what her uncle was going to do and that she got away safely.
After she was dropped off and was through customs, she knew she was almost safe. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief when plane took off. Knowing part one of her escape was over, Alana leaned back and closed her eyes hoping her plea was answered but ready if it was not. She hoped Lady Gotham was in a good mood when she asked.