Disclaimer: Everything recognizable belongs to J.K. Rowling. I don't make money out of this story
This is my first Harry Potter fanfiction and my first fanfiction in English. So please be gentle but don't hold back on critizisms conserning language. Thanks.
The idea has been flipping around in my head for quite some time. Now it is finally written.
Thanks a million to my unique Beta-Reader ACE.
Fate
In front of the iron gate they stopped for the last time. "So you are still absolutely sure you want to do this?" She could tell how nervous he was just by the way he fumbled with his unfamiliar hat. The clothing definitely felt strange. They would get used to it.
"Absolutely sure, darling" she tried to comfort him. "We have been through it all at least a thousand times, remember?"
He nodded. "But you always loved those stupid little devices like the internet and now…"
"…and now I will not live to see it invented. I know." She smiled. He was always so anxious not to overwhelm her Muggel mind with magical facts. It was a rare trait among wizards. She took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "Let's go."
"Of course you are aware that I have to ask you some questions, Mr. and Mrs. McMullen…" The woman behind the heavy desk gave them a piercing look over the rim of her glasses. "As happy as we are when someone like you considers our humble institution, we have to check if everything is in order."
"Very well, Mrs. Cole, ask right away. We have nothing to hide." At least they had a very good cover story. This the Department of Mysteries had taken care of.
So Mrs. Cole questioned and she let him do all the answering.
What was his profession; how long had they been married; why did they come here; where did they live…
This was when she joined the conversation.
"We will be moving to Scotland next month. And such a lovely cottage we bought there Mrs Cole. The garden is overgrown with flowers. A little stream just borders the estate. My husband will be out on business quite often, you know, and I so wish for this beautiful place not to be empty but full of joy. Since our marriage in 1923 we…" she blushed. "We did not want to give up hope but as it seems we will never be blessed with …"
"I see," interrupted Mrs. Cole. She opened one of the drawers and produced a grey form. She placed the thin sheet of paper in front of them with a troubled look. "As far as I am concerned, you are welcome to choose. Just fill out this form. Lord Bentley gave you the best of references yesterday. You should notice that this would take a good deal longer otherwise."
"Yes we know. We cannot express how thankful we are." He took the pen and began writing.
Finally her heart began racing. So this was for real. They actually would live in a Scottish cottage in 1929. They would witness the Second World War and never see their friends again. She swallowed and felt perspiration on her forehead. It was worth the sacrifice, she kept repeating over and over. At least they could try.
"And you have no doubt about your choice?" asked Mrs. Cole as they all had signed the form.
"Not the slightest." Her voice sounded firmer than she felt.
"He can be difficult and obdurate sometimes. Most of my girls think him creepy," warned Mrs. Cole one last time.
"Oh no, we will care for him and love him as if he was our own son," she answered affectionately. "That will change everything."
"As you wish then," Mrs. Cole led them to the second floor where she opened a shabby looking door. In the room behind it a pale cheeked toddler with dark hair was playing all by himself. He could not be more than two years old. Mrs. Cole gave them one last glance then turned to the child.
"Come and meet your new parents, Tom."
FINIS
So this is how I would change the war :-) Please review.
The name McMullen is a reference to the great author of the greatwinter trilogy. Plus it was the first name that came into my mind.
