Taming the True Fire (HP)

After a quick visit to Madam Malkin's, Catherine was also equipped with robes, cloak, gloves and a hat. As she waited for her friend, who was purchasing potion ingredients from the Mystic Brews Apothecary, Catherine couldn't help but think about how uncomfortable these magical garments seemed compared to Muggle clothes. After that, they went to purchase their magic wands. 

While Mr Ollivander measured Lily and helped her try different wands, Catherine had the strange feeling that he was looking at her direction quite often. Eventually, the redheaded girl ended up with a twenty-six centimetres willow wand with phoenix feather core which was supposed to be good for charms. 

Mr Ollivander's tape measure was already quite busy measuring Catherine when the wizard bent down a little and said with a vague smile. "I sense that the young miss already has some experience with magic. I wonder which of my wands will suit you best." Catherine blushed a little but decided to remain silent. 

After trying at least twenty wands, she started to feel frustrated. It was well-known that there was supposed to be some sort of a connection between a witch and her wand but none of the wands she had tried so far showed any response whatsoever. While Lily managed to conjure some sparks when trying different wands, Catherine had no such luck. Mr. Ollivander paused thoughtfully for a moment, his face then lighting up with excitement as he quickly disappeared from view. 

Catherine let out a sigh and looked around, but Lily was nowhere to be seen. Frustration grew as Catherine wondered, 'Where did she go? Why is it taking so long?'

Eventually, Mr Ollivander returned with yet another wand. "Let's see, this one I made a long time ago and it turned out to be very stubborn. Twenty-eight centimetres, ancient oak, phoenix feather – it is a wand that demands respect, and it is hard to yield."

Catherine took the wand and waved it. She felt a warm sensation and the room was filled with colourful flames, levitating in mid-air.

"Wonderful!" – exclaimed Mr Ollivander – "It is hard to find the right wand if you get used to wandless magic as a child. I am happy there is a serviceable one for you."

Catherine shrugged, paid for her purchase, and left the store, hoping that Lily was still waiting for her. The wizard behind the counter smiled and bowed. 'This will do for a few years, until we meet again, Milady. Then, hopefully, I will have something truly special for you.' – he thought to himself. 

Back to Diagon Alley, Catherine looked around for her friend and immediately spotted her just a few meters away from the store, talking to a pale lanky boy with black, slightly long hair. There was something in that boy that instantly irritated the young witch. Maybe it was the way he postured himself like he owned Lily or maybe it was the way he looked at Catherine when she approached them. 

"Oh, Catherine, you're finally done. It took you a while." – said Lily cheerfully – "This is my friend Severus Snape. Severus, this is Catherine… umm, sorry I didn't ask you about your last name…"

"Plantier." – said Catherine dryly. It would be a while before she could refer to herself like that without feeling anger. 

"So, you're Muggle-born as well?" – asked Snape, his voice expressing a defined note of condescension. 

"I am," – answered Catherine, her eyes flashing – "and yet, I still understand how rude it is to ask such a question in the wizarding society. Ah, but this must be taught just in decent wizarding families."

Catherine saw with satisfaction that Snape became even paler and ugly red spots appeared on his face. 

"Severus, really, don't be rude!" – said Lily and turned towards Catherine – "He doesn't do it on purpose. Let's go and get our books now, shall we?"

Catherine looked at Snape who was staring at her with murder in his black eyes and she was more than certain that it was on purpose but nevertheless, decided against arguing with Lily. They reached Flourish and Blotts and entered the maze of bookshelves. 

Catherine quickly picked up her schoolbooks and was browsing with curiosity through a big blue volume named 'Antidotes and Aversions: Countering Dark Potions and Treacherous Poisons.' Suddenly a shadow fell on the pages. She turned around and saw Snape who was smiling slyly. 

"This type of books usually does not contain pictures, you know?" – he said mockingly. Fed up with his stupid remarks, Catherine quickly looked around. Unexpectedly a heavy book on Giant Wars flew from the topmost shelf landing straight onto Snape's head. He fell on the ground from the sudden impact.

"Oh, dear," – said Catherine – "this is a rather unusual method to get knowledge into your head. Maybe it will be safer if you try to actually read the book." She smirked and left to pay for her purchases. 

When all of them went back on the street, carrying the heavy bags full of books, Catherine noticed that Snape still looked a little dizzy. She thought that maybe she had gone too far and considered that she should apologize. However, at this moment the boy grabbed Lily's hand and said looking at the other girl with disdain.

"Lily and I will go and look at the quills. She had already promised me to do it, so go and bother someone else."

"Severus!" – Lily protested – "Catherine, don't listen to him!"

Catherine shook her head. "It's fine, I need to leave anyway. I think I spent more than enough time with him. See you in a few days, Lily!"

With that the young witch took her bags and left without looking back. In the end, it turned out to be a rather pleasant day. She had met her first friend and acquired a wand. Well, she certainly could have done without encountering this snarky, slimy boy, but regardless, it was all worth it!