61. A New Red

The soft glow from Apollyon's finger dissipated as she listened to Sirius, her expression thoughtful. The success with wandless magic, albeit minor, had ignited a curiosity within her about the broader applications and limits of her abilities. She sensed an opportunity to deepen her understanding of magic through conversation with Sirius, someone who had lived through much of the wizarding world's recent history and who had himself mastered many advanced magical techniques.

"Sirius," Apollyon began, her voice tinged with the earnestness of genuine inquiry, "how did you learn to master your magic? I mean, beyond what's taught at Hogwarts. There's so much more to magic than just spells and potions, isn't there?"

Sirius settled into a chair opposite her, the flicker of pride in his eyes at her question. "There is indeed," he agreed. "Hogwarts provides a solid foundation, but true mastery comes from experience, from pushing the boundaries of what we understand magic to be. It's about curiosity, about not accepting limits without questioning them, and about a relentless pursuit to understand the deeper principles that underpin our magical world."

Apollyon absorbed his words, her mind racing with possibilities. "And what about you? What do you do with your magic? How do you... I don't know, make a difference?"

Sirius leaned back, considering her question. "After I was cleared of all charges, I dedicated myself to the Order of the Phoenix, to fighting against the darkness that threatens our world. My magic, my knowledge, it's all at the service of that cause. Whether it's through dueling, enchantments, or even magical research, every bit of it is aimed at protecting those who can't protect themselves and ensuring that the light prevails over the darkness."

The sincerity in his voice struck a chord with Apollyon. Despite her young age and the vast gap in their experiences, she felt a deep connection to Sirius's mission, a desire to contribute in her own way to the fight against darkness. "I want to help, too," she said, a determination in her voice that belied her years. "I know I'm young, and there's so much I still need to learn, but I feel like... like I'm meant to do more with my magic."

Sirius regarded her with a mixture of surprise and admiration. It was rare to encounter someone so young with such a clear sense of purpose and a willingness to embrace the complexities of the magical world. "You have a remarkable spirit, Apollyon," he said, his voice warm with encouragement. "And I have no doubt you'll do great things. For now, the best way you can help is by continuing to learn, to understand the depths of your abilities and how to use them wisely. There's time enough for action. What's important is that when the time comes, you're ready."

Their conversation continued, Sirius sharing insights from his own journey and offering advice on how Apollyon might navigate her own path to mastery. For Apollyon, the discussion was more than just an exchange of ideas; it was a confirmation of her place in this world and of the role she hoped to play in shaping its future.

A few days after their enlightening conversation in the library, Sirius approached Apollyon with a new plan, one that would expand her horizons beyond the walls of Grimmauld Place. "Apollyon," he said, finding her once again amidst her books, "I've been thinking. It's important for you to learn and study, but it's also important for you to meet others, to have friends your own age."

Apollyon looked up, curiosity piqued. Her time since arriving had been a whirlwind of discovery and learning, but Sirius was right; she hadn't interacted with anyone outside of Grimmauld Place.

"I'm taking you to the Burrow," Sirius continued, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth at the mention of the Weasley family home. "It's time you met some of my friends and their family. The Weasleys are good people, and I think you'll find friends among them, especially around your age."

The Burrow. Apollyon had read about it, of course, in her past life's memories—the warm, chaotic, love-filled home of the Weasley family. The thought of stepping into a place so integral to the stories that had shaped her understanding of the wizarding world was both exciting and daunting.

"Will they... will they like me?" Apollyon asked, a trace of nervousness in her voice. Despite her abilities and maturity, she was, in many ways, just a ten-year-old girl about to meet potential friends for the first time.

Sirius's smile widened reassuringly. "I have no doubt," he assured her. "The Weasleys are the most welcoming family you'll ever meet. And you'll have plenty to talk about, especially with their children. They're around your age, give or take a few years."

The day of the visit arrived quickly, and Apollyon found herself standing at the edge of the Weasley's property, taking in the sight of the Burrow for the first time. The house looked as if it had sprung from the pages of a storybook, with its higgledy-piggledy appearance and the sense of warmth and welcome that seemed to radiate from its very walls.

As they approached the door, Sirius leading the way, Apollyon felt her nerves begin to flutter. But they were quickly quelled by the warmth of the greeting they received. Mrs. Weasley enveloped Sirius in a hug before turning her attention to Apollyon, offering her a smile so kind and genuine that any remaining apprehension melted away.

"Apollyon, dear, welcome to the Burrow," Mrs. Weasley said, ushering them inside. "We're so pleased to have you."

The house was alive with the sounds of chatter and laughter, and Apollyon was quickly introduced to the Weasley children. To her relief, they were just as friendly and welcoming as their parents, each of them curious about the new visitor but in a way that was open and sincere.

Ron, who was closest to her in age, was shy at first but soon warmed up, especially when the conversation turned to Quidditch and magic. Ginny, the youngest Weasley, was immediately friendly, sharing stories and asking questions with an eagerness that made Apollyon feel at ease.

As the day wore on, filled with games, laughter, and shared stories, Apollyon felt a sense of belonging she hadn't realized she'd been missing.

As the lively chatter and laughter of the Weasley household swirled around them, Apollyon found herself swept up in the warmth and chaos. After lunch, as she was helping clear the dishes, two figures approached with a boundless energy that seemed to command the room's attention instantly.

"Who do we have here, Sirius? A new recruit for our ever-expanding fan club?" Fred quipped, his eyes alight with mischief as he took in Apollyon's appearance, particularly pausing on her distinct purple and red eyes.

George leaned in, his grin equally mischievous. "Or perhaps a future guinea pig for our latest and greatest inventions?"

Apollyon, taken aback by their immediate presence and the directness of their banter, couldn't help but smile. Their energy was infectious, and it stirred memories of her past interactions with the twins—memories filled with laughter and camaraderie.

"I'm Apollyon," she introduced herself, extending a hand in greeting, which was warmly shaken by both twins in turn. "And while I'm all for joining fan clubs, I think I'll have to learn more about these inventions before I volunteer for any experiments."

"Fair enough," George said, winking. "But fair warning, our inventions tend to find their way to everyone eventually, volunteer or not."

Fred nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. But let's not scare our new friend away too soon, George. We're also known for our exceptional charm and wit."

Apollyon laughed, feeling an instant connection with the twins. "I've heard quite a bit about your pranks. I must say, I'm impressed. It's not every day you meet the masterminds behind Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."

The twins beamed with pride. "Ah, so our reputation precedes us," Fred said, puffing out his chest slightly.

"We're more than just pranksters, though," George added. "We're innovators, revolutionizing the world of magical mischief."

Their playful arrogance was endearing, and Apollyon found herself genuinely curious about their work. "I'd love to see what you've come up with. Maybe I could even offer some ideas," she ventured, her tone playful yet sincere.

Fred and George exchanged a glance, clearly intrigued. "Well, well, well, an ideas person, eh?" Fred mused. "We could always use fresh perspectives."

"And it's not often we meet someone who can keep up with our banter so effortlessly," George added. "Especially someone who, if you don't mind me saying, seems wise beyond her years."

Apollyon blushed slightly at the compliment. It was true that her experiences had aged her in ways that were not typical for a ten-year-old, but she was touched that they noticed without her having to explain.

"As for those unique eyes," Fred began, a hint of curiosity coloring his tone, "they're quite captivating. A rare sight in the wizarding world."

"They're just part of who I am," Apollyon said, brushing off the comment with a smile. She had grown accustomed to people noticing her eyes, but she preferred to keep the deeper reasons for their uniqueness to herself.

As the afternoon progressed, the twins shared some of their latest projects with Apollyon, who was both amused and impressed by their ingenuity. In turn, she offered her own insights and suggestions, which were met with genuine interest from Fred and George.

The afternoon at the Burrow unfolded with a warmth and vivacity that made Apollyon feel right at home. After her engaging encounter with Fred and George, she was introduced to another member of the household—one she knew by reputation but had never met in person: Harry Potter.

Harry, at nine years old, carried an air of quiet curiosity and a slight wariness, remnants of his early years with the Dursleys before Sirius's release had changed his circumstances. Now, living between the Burrow and Sirius's care, there was a budding brightness in him, a spark that living in a loving environment had kindled.

"Harry, this is Apollyon," Sirius introduced. "She's staying with me at Grimmauld Place for a while."

Harry's green eyes, so famous in the wizarding world, met Apollyon's with a mixture of interest and a hint of shyness. "Hi," he said, his voice soft but friendly.

"It's nice to meet you, Harry," Apollyon responded, feeling an instant connection with him. Despite the difference in their experiences, she felt a kinship with Harry, both of them linked by their unique places within the wizarding world.

As they spent time together, Harry shared stories of his life at the Burrow and with Sirius, of learning magic and playing Quidditch in the backyard. Apollyon listened intently, offering her own stories when appropriate, though she carefully navigated around the details of her past lives. It was a new experience, talking to someone who was a legend in her previous life's world, yet here he was, just a boy, her peer.

The afternoon drifted into evening, and the two found themselves seated on the grass outside, watching as the sky turned a brilliant shade of orange at sunset. It was then that Harry asked, "What's it like, living with Sirius? He's been great to me, but I've always wondered what it's like for someone else."

Apollyon considered her answer. "It's been...interesting," she said, choosing her words carefully. "Sirius is kind, and he knows so much about magic. I've learned a lot from him. And there's something comforting about being with someone who understands the wizarding world so deeply."

Harry nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Yeah, he's been like a real family to me. After everything, it's nice to have that."

The conversation between Apollyon and Harry was a gentle weaving of their young lives, two threads coming together in the tapestry of the wizarding world. For Apollyon, meeting Harry was not just an encounter with a future hero but a moment of genuine human connection, a reminder of the simplicity and purity of childhood friendships.

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Mrs. Weasley called them inside for dinner, her voice carrying the warmth and comfort of home. Apollyon and Harry rose, heading back to the house together, their steps light and easy.

After dinner at the Burrow, filled with laughter and the comforting chatter of the Weasley family, Sirius, Apollyon, and Harry prepared to return to Grimmauld Place for the night. The journey back was quick, a simple twist of space as Sirius adeptly used a Portkey, leaving behind the warmth of the Burrow for the more somber tones of the Black family home.

Upon their arrival, Apollyon, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding, made a beeline for the library, much to Harry's confusion. The young boy paused, watching her disappear among the towering shelves with a puzzled expression.

"Why does she go straight to the library?" Harry asked Sirius, his curiosity piqued by Apollyon's actions.

Sirius chuckled softly, the amusement clear in his voice as he glanced towards the library door. "Apollyon... she's been through a lot," he began, his tone shifting to one of gentle explanation. "She lost her memories before coming to stay with me. She's determined to learn everything she can, to understand the world around her and find her place in it."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, the pieces falling into place. "So, that's why she reads so much? Because she's trying to remember?"

"Partly," Sirius agreed. "But it's more than just trying to remember. It's about building a new foundation for herself. She's incredibly dedicated. I think it's her way of taking control of her situation, of not letting her past define her future."

Harry nodded, the information settling in. The idea of losing one's memories was daunting, and he felt a newfound respect for Apollyon's resilience and her relentless pursuit of knowledge.

"Can I help her?" Harry asked, a sincere desire to support Apollyon in her journey evident in his voice. "Maybe there's something I can do or teach her?"

Sirius placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, a smile of approval at the boy's kindness. "That's a generous offer, Harry. I'm sure she'd appreciate that. Perhaps you could share some of what you've learned about magic with her. Or simply be there as a friend. Sometimes, that's the most valuable thing of all."

As the seasons shifted and time marched forward, the dynamic within Grimmauld Place evolved. Apollyon, with her voracious appetite for learning, delved deeper into the world of magic, her days and nights consumed by study and practice. The knowledge she accumulated was vast, touching on everything from the intricacies of potion-making to the subtle art of transfiguration, and the more she learned, the more she hungered to know.

Meanwhile, Harry celebrated his tenth birthday, a milestone marked by a small, joyous gathering at Grimmauld Place. Sirius and Apollyon had gone to great lengths to ensure the day was special, filling it with laughter, magic, and a sense of family that Harry cherished deeply. Yet, as Harry blew out the candles on his cake, a part of him couldn't help but feel the shadow of the coming year, when he would be left behind as Apollyon went off to Hogwarts.

Apollyon's eleventh birthday arrived not long after, and with it, her Hogwarts letter, delivered by a stern-looking owl that seemed almost proud to be bearing such significant correspondence. The letter was a symbol of a new chapter waiting to be written, a gateway to further discovery and growth. Sirius and Harry celebrated with her, their pride and joy palpable, yet for Harry, the occasion was bittersweet. While he was genuinely happy for Apollyon, he also felt a twinge of envy and concern about being left alone without his friend and confidante.

Over time, a subtle rift had begun to form between Apollyon and Harry, rooted in their differing perspectives on learning. Apollyon's dedication to her studies was unyielding, driven by her desire to regain and surpass the knowledge she had lost. Harry, on the other hand, found little joy in academic pursuits, preferring the practical aspects of magic and the adventures it could bring. He often felt sidelined by Apollyon's focus on her books, unable to connect with her over subjects that seemed dry and tedious to him.

"I just don't see the point in spending all day reading about magic when you could be out there, actually doing it," Harry confided in Sirius one afternoon, his frustration evident. "It's like she cares more about those books than anything else."

Sirius listened thoughtfully, understanding Harry's feelings but also recognizing the depth of Apollyon's need to learn. "Apollyon's lost a lot, Harry. Those books, that knowledge, it's a way for her to reclaim a sense of control, to build a future she can be proud of," Sirius explained gently. "But that doesn't mean she values you any less. Perhaps there's a way to bridge the gap, to find a common ground where both of you can share in the magic."

In the days leading up to Apollyon's departure for Hogwarts, Sirius observed her with a mixture of pride and concern. Her unrelenting commitment to her studies and preparation for Hogwarts was impressive, but he couldn't shake the feeling that she was pushing herself too hard, driven by an invisible pressure that seemed to weigh heavily upon her young shoulders.

One quiet evening, Sirius found Apollyon in the library, surrounded by books and parchment, her focus as intense as ever. He paused at the doorway, watching her for a moment before clearing his throat to announce his presence.

"Apollyon," he began, walking into the room with a gentle smile, "you've been working incredibly hard. I'm proud of you, truly. But I also want to make sure you're taking care of yourself. You know, it's okay to take a break, to just be a kid sometimes."

Apollyon looked up, her expression softening. "I know, Sirius. I just... I feel like there's so much I need to learn, so much I need to catch up on. I can't help but feel this... pressure to be ready for whatever comes my way."

Sirius nodded, understanding her concerns but worried about the source of this pressure. "Apollyon, you're doing wonderfully. There's no doubt in my mind that you'll excel at Hogwarts. But this pressure you're feeling, where do you think it's coming from? Is it because of your lost memories?"

She sighed, pondering his question. "Partly, yes. But it's also... I guess it's just me. I want to make sure I'm prepared, that I can face whatever challenges come my way. I don't want to let anyone down, especially not you or Harry."

Sirius took a seat beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Apollyon, you could never let us down. Your determination, your spirit, it's more than anyone could ask for. But it's also important to remember that you're not alone in this. Harry and I, we're here for you, every step of the way. And Hogwarts will be a new beginning, a chance to learn and grow, but also to make friends and have fun. You deserve that, too."

A smile touched Apollyon's lips, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Sirius. I needed to hear that."

Encouraged by their conversation, Sirius decided to lighten the mood. "Speaking of Hogwarts, it's about time we got your school supplies. What do you say we head to Diagon Alley tomorrow? It'll be a good break from all this studying, and I think Harry would love to join us."

The prospect of visiting Diagon Alley, with its myriad of magical shops and the promise of new adventures, sparked a light in Apollyon's eyes. "I'd like that," she admitted, excitement creeping into her voice. "It sounds like fun."

"Great! It's settled then. We'll make a day of it," Sirius declared, standing up and stretching. "Diagon Alley has a way of reminding us of the magic in the world, the kind that doesn't come from books. I think it'll be good for all of us."

As Apollyon closed her books for the night, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Sirius's words had reminded her of the importance of balance, of the joy that could be found in the journey itself.