[ fourteen, potions and parcels ]

[It is morning at Hogwarts, and Aemma and Ron are running in the corridors because they're late for Transfiguration class. In the class, a tabby cat is sitting on a desk. Aemma and Ron rush in; Hermione rolls her eyes in annoyance because they're late for class.]

Rhaena had been enjoying discovering the discrepancies between Lucerys and Aemma, all the traits that separated them and made them who they were. An amused smile tugged at her lips when the scene unfolding on the screen highlighted yet another difference between the two girls, for Lucerys would have never run the risk of being tardy to any of the lessons she'd been allowed to attend, not in fear of punishment, but out of principle alone. She couldn't help but wonder what she would have said about Aemma and the soon-to-be scolding she was about to receive, gleefully realising she would have most likely enjoyed the chaos that appeared to follow the Potter girl wherever she went.

Ron: Whew! Made it! Can you imagine the look on McGonagall's face if we were late?

[The cat jumps off the desk and transforms into Professor McGonagall, on-screen for the first time. The two friends are amazed.]

Gasps of awe and wonder echoed around the room as the Westerosi citizens witnessed Professor McGonagall's transformation for the first time in the light of day, allowing them to admire the complexity and beauty of such a feat of magic now that the woman was no longer enshrouded by darkness.

Curious and mesmerised by this particular branch of magic, Daeron turned towards the four visitors with an inquiring look. "Is she the only one capable of such a feat?" He queried, eager to learn more about all the others who could equally shapeshift as the Professor. He did not need to say it out loud, for his eyes said it all: if he had the chance, he would have loved to learn such a useful skill.

The feeling of the mandrake leaf against the roof of her mouth was most uncomfortable, its reminder causing Hermione to half-heartedly glare at the only person who'd succeeded in the task so far, the very same one who'd convinced them all to undertake the same perilous transformation. "Not at all," She stated. "The Ministry keeps a list of every Animagus ( a witch or a wizard with the ability to shift into an animal at will ) in the country, and, although there aren't many, they're still a respectable number. Of course, that's without taking into consideration the unregistered Animagi." No one seemed to have noticed the mischievous glint in Aemma's eyes as Hermione mentioned the latter.

Ron: That was bloody brilliant!

McGonagall: Thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley. Perhaps, it'd be more useful if I were to transfigure Ms. Potter and yourself into a pocket watch. That way, one of you might be on time.

Whilst she had no idea what a pocket watch was, Alicent agreed with Professor McGonagall, appreciating what she perceived as her sternness and unwillingness to let any kind of misdeed go unchecked, no matter how superficial. In the former queen's humble opinion, the woman in question would have made for a great Septa, one she would have easily assigned to her daughter in an attempt to guide her on the path of the Seven.

Aemma: We are just firsties, we simply got lost. [bats her eyes faux innocently]

"Dear Gods," Rhaenys chuckled. "I still remember when it was you, cousin, who behaved thus with our parents and grandsire, not that it ever worked on that old cunt of Jaehaerys." She'd been jesting when she'd initially said Aemma took after Daemon ( for one Rogue Prince was already enough ). Still, the more she observed her granddaughter, the more convinced she became he must have left enough of an impression for her to retain some of his traits.

Horrified by how Rhaenys had referred to Jaehaerys, Viserys straightened in his seat and addressed her seriously. "Cousin, the wise king was ━" He was never allowed to finish his sentence, for his grandson interrupted him with a sardonic smile.

Ever since he'd learnt about his previous life, Neville had been disgusted by some of his former family members, namely the man who'd bestowed a crown to the wrong person. "A git? Where should I start? From him punishing everyone who'd been on Maegor's Kingsguard regardless of their decision? Even those who'd left their positions? Or maybe that's too early. Let's forward a tad, shall we, to when he said that the 'Abolition of the Lord's Right' had been his idea and not his wife's." His speech enshrouded the whole room in silence, yet he did not care, for he had more to say.

"He was just a lucky sod who happened upon a period of peace and whose 'great deeds' were mainly his wife's ideas, a wife he treated terribly, might I add, dismissing her mourning after Princess Viserra's passing. Don't get me started on how he treated his daughters, or I might talk for hours about how terrible of a father he was and generally misogynistic as well ( let's not forget he refused them all dragon eggs with a flimsy excuse ). Finally, there is no doubt that Princess Rhaenys should have been Queen. Still, again, between the Lords' small-mindedness and his idiocy, he chose someone who led us all to where we are today." Everyone seemed too stunned to form a rebuttal, for they hadn't expected this kind of argument from one of the visitors. The silence, however, didn't last long, for soon after, Corlys began to clap his hand fervently, only to be immediately joined by the Black faction, his three companions, and a couple of stragglers.

Oh, how Corlys mourned the chance to see his grandson on the Iron Throne, for, as he'd spoken, he'd seen how Neville and Jacaerys had been one and same, ready to berate them all whether they'd been willing to listen or not. There was no denying it: his grandson would have made a fantastic king, and Westeros was all the poorer now that that version of him was no longer.

McGonagall: Then perhaps a map? I trust you don't need one to find your seats.

The four visitors exchanged mischievous expressions, for they didn't need McGonagall's help to create such a map when they already possessed one that would have made her both curse the Marauders and praise them for their intellect. The Marauders Map was a work of art that had often proved invaluable in their adventures and outings. However, above all that, it was one of the few things Aemma still possessed that had once belonged to her parents, thus making it priceless.

Aemma: Thank you, Professor, for your understanding and your vow of confidence. [Tugs Ron's arms towards a couple of free seats. McGonagall's stern facade slips and a ghost of a smile appears on her lips as if she is experiencing an episode of deja vu]

Amused by her sister's sass yet confused by the Professor's reaction and lack of beratement, Baela tilted her head toward her. "Why did she look at you as if she'd seen a ghost and did not chastise you for your comment?" She remembered being told about her likeness to her father, but she doubted this would have warranted such behaviour. To her surprise, the usually silent girl sitting amongst them replied to her query instead of her sister.

"I might be wrong, but perhaps we've all likened her to the wrong father figure." She stopped momentarily to look sadly at Daemon, for she knew her words would have shattered part of him, even if he would have never allowed anyone to see. "Mayhaps she didn't just inherit her birth father's looks but also parts of his personality, thus causing those who taught and knew him to feel a sense of... what did you name it? Deja vu whenever around her." It made sense to her, for why else would her Professor react in such a way since she'd never interacted with Daemon beforehand?

A little snort escaped Aemma, yet she didn't appear upset in the slightest. "Well, keep talking about me as if I wasn't there, won't you?" She said sarcastically, her faint smile betraying her genuine emotions. "However, Helaena is correct: I am my father's daughter in more ways than one, and I'm proud of it regardless of what certain people may think about it." Her joy was almost palpable as she spoke, eyes shining with nought but fondness. "However, I've always blamed my quick fuse on something else altogether, but now that I think about it, I might have inherited it from you," She finally stated, looking meaningfully at Daemon.

Much like Helaena had suspected, Daemon felt his heart deflate upon discovering that Aemma hadn't inherited his whole personality, for he'd considered her his daughter ever since he'd married Rhaenyra and cared about her as such. However, oddly enough, there was no room for jealousy in his heart, for he respected the man who'd bravely given his life to shield their child from a terrible fate, an act of courage he'd forever be grateful for. If Aemma had to inherit someone's personality, Daemon was glad it was the courageous James Potter's. That is not to say he didn't silently preen upon discovering that a part of him followed his child through the universe.

[Later on, inside Snape's potions classroom, the students are chattering, sitting near steaming cauldrons. The door slams open and Snape comes rushing in.]

Snape: There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few... [looks at Draco, who smiles] ...who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper... [Draco looks on] ...in death.

Had anyone bothered looking in his direction, they would have noticed a troublesome glint in Otto's eyes. Whilst the man had dismissed most things magical, the same couldn't be said for the mentioned potions that would have aided him in the completion of his schemes. Each potion introduced by the Professor called to him like a siren's song and promised the victory that had almost been within his grasp before this charade. If the man were to be believed, he could even ensure his longevity and guarantee his family's plans were carried out throughout the years.

There was only one hurdle that prevented Otto from achieving his newest objective: all of the visitors who'd come from a distant land seemed to have already developed a deep dislike towards his faction; thus, it was tantamount to sway at least one of them to their cause, by whatever means necessary.

Otto's gaze focused on those loyal to the cause, halting on the one who'd already swayed one princess beforehand ━ how often did hate turn to infatuation? Perchance, they could work with this. Leaning forward, he whispered his plans ( either sway the former princess or her companion, but preferably the former ) to an aggravated yet loyal Criston Cole, who nodded in assent, accepting his task far too quickly for it to be casual.

Snape: [Draco raises his eyebrows. Snape sees Aemma, writing what Snape said in his lecture down, in his view, not paying attention.] Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough... to not... pay... attention. [Hermione nudges Aemma, finally making her look up to the Professor. Snape then walks to where he can speak to Aemma more properly.] Ms. Potter. Our... new... celebrity. Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood? [Hermione raises her hand. Aemma shrugs.] You don't know? Well, let's try again. Where, Ms. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar? [Hermione's hand raises again.]

This type of ruthless targeting brought to the forefront of Rhaenyra's mind memories of Alicent's and Criston's relentless, sly, and veiled insults they oftentimes used whenever one of her beloved children was in their vicinity whilst growing up. The mere thought that her daughter would have had to suffer yet another insensitive scum ignited a rage within her that she was unsure she wished to keep in check. "Why does he seem to dislike you so and keep targeting you instead of allowing others to answer?" Her voice was oddly even, yet her knuckles were white as she clenched her fists.

Just thinking about Severus Snape left a bitter taste in her mouth. Some might have called him a reluctant hero for his actions in the war; however, to Aemma, he'd always be the bully who'd used his position against them to unleash the wrath he'd felt towards their parents. There had been too many instances Aemma could never forgive Snape for nor understand those who'd willingly turned a blind eye to the pain and suffering he'd caused several individuals. "My father and he didn't get along; he hated him, so ever since he saw me, he decided I would have been a 'good for nothing witch like him'. But to be fair, his hatred extended towards all Gryffindors. He was almost as nasty towards Neville as he was towards me, sometimes even worse, and I never understood why," She explained, staring disgustedly at her former Professor on the screen.

Since he'd often heard his mother's vitriol about his niece and nephew, Aegon couldn't help but laugh at the similarities between the two. "Sounds like you couldn't escape our mother or her dearest protector even if you tried to," He said amusedly, noticing how Alicent paled under everyone's scrutiny, especially the former king's enraged glare.

To Rhaena, it wasn't hard to assume what had led the man to hate her sister so, especially given her similarity to her birth father: the two must have had a bitter relationship that most likely involved the love of a woman. Still, whatever hatred he harboured towards James Potter shouldn't have been projected towards his progeny, nor should he have used his position of power to ease the process. As for Neville, all Rhaena could think about was that her brother's parents must have been stalwart and loyal friends of the Potter couple, thus furthering the Professor's rage towards their son.

Aemma: I don't know, sir.

Snape: And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfbane?

Aemma: [creases brows, thinking hard] There are none, they're the same.

Snape: One lucky guess doesn't change anything. Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything. [Draco has a smirk on his face] Is it, Ms. Potter?

Quick to anger and even quicker to hate, Aemond swiftly decided that he loathed Snape. As someone well-acquainted with mocking whispers and vile comments, he could not stomach the idea of Aemma experiencing something similar because of a bitter man who'd never got over whatever unfolded in his teenage years. A whisper in the back of his mind called him a 'hypocrite', for wasn't he the one who'd chased Lucerys through a storm for something he'd had muddled memories of and had taken place years before? Irregardless, he was not like Snape, nor would he ever be ━ a pathetic man who took his frustrations out on his rival's child even when she answered correctly to one of his queries.

Aemma: Clearly, Hermione knows. Seems a pity not to ask her, not to mention a waste of knowledge.

[Hermione looks a bit surprised as everyone laughs]

Much like most of the class, the room erupted into laughter, some individuals clutching their sides and wiping their eyes as tears of mirth ran down their cheeks in a steady stream because of Aemma's easy comeback.

Those who knew Lucerys well knew that she'd never allow an insult to remain unchallenged when it came to her loved ones, but she'd often act uncaringly if the same vile insult was directed towards her. This was a new side of her, of Aemma, that they welcomed with open arms and an inkling that it must have been fueled by whatever Targaryen blood still ran through her system.

"No matter whom she takes after, I am proud of my daughter," Daemon stated firmly, his unwavering smirk conveying his emotions. He might have never known James, but if he sounded anything like this, he could have seen himself befriending the man in their youth.

Hermione, currently nursing a cup of coffee, sighed in an exhausting manner. "Believe it or not, this was one of the mildest comebacks she's ever delivered to one of our Professors." She'll forever remember her speech to Umbridge or her iconic one-liner to Snape back in Sixth Year.

Snape: Silence. [he turns to Aemma, looking a bit insulted; Aemma tilts her head slightly sideways. Snape then walks over to his desk. To Hermione, who has still got her hand up.] Put your hand down, you silly girl.

Many things angered Baela, chief amongst them being easily dismissed as if her voice meant nothing and being blatantly patronised in an environment where she couldn't defend herself. "How dare he?" She all but hissed, glaring at the man she now loathed with her whole being.

When Hermione had chosen to join her best friends to meet their former family, she'd never entertained the thought of someone foreign feeling protective toward her. Whilst she'd shown up to support her loved ones, she couldn't deny how her heart warmed each time someone stood up for her, much just like the rest of the Quartet often did. "Oh, this is nothing. Over the years, he came up with much more inventive insults." She shrugged, for she'd eventually made peace with Snape's callousness ( but never forgiven him for all the invisible suffering he'd inflicted on her ).

Snape: [He sits in front of Aemma, and leans towards her.] For your information, Potter, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, as you so luckily guessed, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. [everything is quiet] Well? [to the students] Why aren't you all copying this down? [The students obey Snape and start to write down what Snape said. Snape returns to his desk, and dips his quill into some ink.] And Gryffindors, note that five points will be taken from your house... for your classmate's cheek. [Snape then starts writing; Hermione looks at Aemma and then starts writing. Aemma looks at Snape, who turns slightly and then continues writing]

Alicent found herself nodding along with the Professor in question, agreeing with his punishment methods and overall behaviour. It was comforting to see this new universe had Maesters who wouldn't accept Rhaenyra's children's nonsense and were willing to do what ought to be done to straighten them up. The fact that the others deemed the Professors' treatment of Aemma so problematic was merely a sign of the incessant coddling of their brood, something far more troublesome in Alicent's eyes.

( She quickly forgot that Aemma and Neville had never been coddled a single day in their life, nor had they ever known unconditional familial love, for that matter )

Once she'd smoothed her dress and cleared her throat, Alicent faced the witch in question. "You could have certainly saved yourself and your peers a lot of trouble had you known the answers as you should have and not spoken ill of your betters," Her tone oozed a confidence that could only originate from years of people praising her deeds and agreeing with everything she might have said regardless of how wrong it was ( after all, what was Court but a flock of sheeps? ).

Ron let out a bitter chuckle, the woman's entitlement and ignorance amusing him to no end. "Oh, she could have waxed poetry about him, and he still would have turned against her. Don't fool yourself: that man had it out for Aemma ever since he laid eyes on her." He knew his words wouldn't have been enough of a wake-up call for the woman, but at least he'd tried.

[Aemma stares at Snape, knowing that he shows dislike for the girl. In the great hall, around midday. The students are all doing their homework. Seamus is trying a spell on a cup.]

Seamus: Eye of rabbit, harp string hum. Turn this water into rum. [Looks in cup and shakes head.] Eye of rabbit, harp string hum...

Aemma: Does Seamus think it's really going to work? [smiles amused]

Ron: Maybe. He actually managed a weak tea yesterday, before-

A suddenly star-struck Aegon stared at the four visitors in a new light, his mouth slightly agape. "Can you really transfigure water to alcohol?" He asked, breathless.

"Transfiguration is a very complex branch of magic," Hermione explained. "Transfiguring foods is not as easy as it might appear, and it takes a skilled person to complete the transformation successfully. The only person here who can do so is Aemma." There was a time she would have been jealous of her because of it; however, she'd long since accepted they all had their specialities and even enjoyed watching her best friend whilst casting, learning and improving simultaneously. "However, transforming inanimate objects into food is something else altogether and to avoid at all cost since everything will eventually turn back to their original shape." She added as an afterthought, their hours of fighting in the tent under the thrall of the Hocrux coming back to her as a tidal wave.

With just as proud a smile as Daemon, Corlys stated. "What I am hearing is that my granddaughter is particularly talented in one of the most complex branches of magic you study at your School," He didn't notice how Aemma did her best not to attract attention onto herself, burying her face in Neville's chest and mumbling about 'Invisibility Cloaks' and 'making a run for it'.

[Ron was cut off when a mighty flash occurs. We now see that the cup has exploded and Seamus is left charred. Several students laugh at this as Hermione fans away the smoke with her hand. Suddenly, a flock of owls start coming into the hall from the rafters above.]

Ron: Ah. Mail's here!

[The owls soar by, dropping parcels to students. Aemma gets nothing. She sees the newspaper Ron has put down.]

Aemma: Can I borrow this? [Ron nods] Thanks.

It appeared that very little had changed between Lucerys and Aemma and their curiosity about the latest development in their world. Aemma, much like her former counterpart, displayed a keen interest in the world around her and refused to live in the same safety bubble many of her peers found comfort in. This, whilst saddening those who cared about her, for she was only a child who shouldn't have worried about the outside-world chaos, also made them proud, for it showed how mature she was.

[Neville is unwrapping a gift. It is a clear glass ball with a gold banner around it.]

Dean: Hey, look! Neville's got a Remembrall!

Hermione: I've read about those. When the smoke turns red, [the smoke turns red] it means you've forgotten something.

Neville: The only problem is, I can't remember what I've forgotten.

Daeron shook his head in disbelief as he eyed the object he deemed beyond useless to the owner. "What good will that do if it only reminds you you forgot something without pointing you in the right direction? It's more liable to stress the owner rather than aiding them." He couldn't have known it, but his brutal analysis of the Remembrall spurred Hermione's interest in the improvement of the object in question, for she, too, had always deemed it rather useless.

Aemma: I'll help figure it out, although it could probably be your robes now that I think about it.

Neville: Oh, That might be it. Thanks Aemma. [smiles shyly]

Aemma: [To Neville]You don't have to thank me, you're my friend.

Helaena smiled at the two children whose bond had just begun to take shape, her eyes growing distant as she witnessed, through blurry images, the stepping stones of their relationship throughout the years. A small tear escaped her eye as she wondered if a love like theirs could have ever been part of her future, one that might have escaped her Sight in favour of war, desolation, and destruction. However, she knew the answer: had Lucerys not intervened, she would have flown alone one last time, her sweet Dreamfyre back on the ground and roaring in agony.

Aemma: [Then turns to Ron] Hey, Ron! Somebody broke into Gringotts. Listen. [she reads the article] "Believed to be the work of dark witches or wizards unknown, Gringotts goblins, while acknowledging the breach, insist that nothing was taken. The vault in question, number 713, had in fact been emptied earlier that same day." That's odd. That's the vault Hagrid and I went to.

Heaving a great sigh and quickly falling back into her maternal role, Rhaenyra pointed to her daughter with the sternness of a woman who'd had to deal with shenanigans aplenty throughout the years. "Tell me you didn't get yourself and your friends into unnecessary trouble." She demanded whilst observing her sweet girl for any tell.

Aware of Aemma's abysmal lying skills, Ron chose to answer the somewhat intimidating queen. He could have said a great many things to quell their anxiety, but unfortunately, they were witnessing their lives, and lies would only go so far. "Define unnecessary," He settled for, wincing internally once he'd said it out loud.

Many reactions were heard throughout the room, none louder than the Rogue Prince's laughter and as shaky as Rhaenyra's sigh of exasperation and fear. Honestly, the two parents didn't expect any less from their darling children, especially in a dire situation that requested their help, for they'd always be selfless, regardless of which life they were born into. None of this helped the anxiety that had taken root within them, one that could only be quelled by reminding themselves that Neville and Aemma were there with them, alive, hale, and grown up.

author's note.      This update is dedicated to the amazing Dame Maggie Smith, a true icon and a fantastic actress. She'll truly be missed.