Dedication

To Barbara Kingsolver – for inspiring the four of us to write a great story about the human condition from multiple viewpoints. From four masters to another, we salute you.

To J.B. – thank you so much for bringing the concept of haste into our lives. We don't know where we'd be without you. Besos. XOXO

To M.S. – the best English teacher anyone could ever ask for.

Prologue

December 16, 2010

4:32 AM.

Victoria awoke with a start, clutching her heaving chest. Shaking, she climbed out of bed and walked to her window, where she gazed at the moon. Victoria gently leaned her forehead against the cool glass and closed her eyes, trying to remember the dream. She remembered a boy with green eyes, and the two of them running, fast, full of fear. She was sure the boy was not someone she knew. She had never met anyone with such brilliantly green eyes.

As Victoria reopened her eyes to stare at the moon, soft, silent tears ran unchecked down her cheeks. She turned to appraise the rest of the room: her small squeaky bed, her worktable and chair, and the small trunk where she kept her things. Victoria was grateful for her room at the orphanage, but she wished more than anything that someone, anyone, would love her.

She was tired, but Victoria would have to be awake and fixing breakfast in an hour anyway, so there would be no more sleeping tonight. Still sniffling, she dug her towel out of her trunk and went to the bathroom to prepare for the day. The hall and the bathroom were completely deserted. Victoria quickly disrobed and turned on a shower, letting the water warm her cold, frail body. She took a long shower, something she hadn't done in a long time. The showers did not have stalls or curtains, and Victoria had made a practice of taking quick showers when everyone had gone to bed and the hot water had run out. She didn't want anyone to see her naked.

8:05 AM

She was going to be late. Even at top speed Victoria knew she would not be able to make it to the bus stop in time. On her way out the door Victoria's boot hit a thick pile of mail, deposited on the mat under the mail slot. She had forgotten to check it yesterday. Yesterday. Victoria's heart jumped into her throat. Forgetting about the bus, she crouched on the floor and shifted eagerly through the pile. Victoria squealed with joy as her eyes alight on a letter from Colorado School of Mines. She ripped it open, eager to realize her acceptance.

8:06 AM

Dissolved in tears, Victoria wailed and threw herself on the floor. Her life was over. There was nothing left. Her hot tears feel from her face, landing on the thick stack of mail. Then, a glistening envelope beckoned to her with its waxy seal. Desperate, she reached out a shaking hand toward it. Intrigued by her name written in flowing cursive on the thick parchment, she grabbed it and ripped it open with the fury of a thousand burning suns.

Dearest young, healthy, beautiful Victoria,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This letter was supposed to come when you turned eleven, but it got lost in the mail and we only just realized the mistake! We hope this finds you well and still eager to attend our fine institution.

We realize that this may conflict with your post-secondary options. However, this invitation is part of a special program we are beginning next school year (2011-12). As the wizarding world becomes more advanced and complex, we will need witches and wizards who are fully equipped to meet the challenges and battles of the times we live in.

Enclosed, you will find the list of required books, your room and board fees, and a list of witches and wizards who will be joining you in your study. We hope to see you this fall, fresh off the Hogwarts Express.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Victoria stopped crying. She had always known that her Hogwarts letter had been lost in the mail! Her frown instantly turned into a smug, satisfied smile. Victoria's smile faded as she looked around the empty halls of the orphanage. Suddenly she realized she wanted – needed – out. Now. Immediately. She hastily pulled out her cell phone and called 411. "Yes, hello, this is me. I need to be connected to Hogwarts."

The operator was stunned, "Yes, ma'am, right away, ma'am."

"Hello, this is me, Albus Dumbledore."

"Hello, this is me, Victoria Mueller."

"Oh, haaaaaaaaaay! Are you calling to confirm your place in the class of 2015?"

"Fuck yes. But only under one condition. I come now."

"I will send a handsome young man to fetch you."

Just then, the doorbell rang. Victoria slammed her phone shut and wrenched open the door, ready to confront the young man she was sure would be less than satisfactory. He was, however, very satisfactory. When Victoria opened the door she was confronted with a pair of brilliantly green eyes that burned from within with the light of a thousand burning suns. Victoria's eyes turned to cartoon hearts and the music of violins swelled in the background.

"Hello, this is me, Harry Potter," he said to her, in a low, musical voice. Her ears perked up subconsciously – she had never heard a voice like this. As she gazed into his jewel-like eyes, she felt her face begin to turn a deep scarlet hue. Harry found this very attractive. "May I… come in?" he queried. Without even thinking, her head nodded up and down, her eyes never leaving his piercing gaze. He stepped gracefully through the door and approached her until they were only inches apart. Tentatively, Victoria placed her hands on his chest. "Oh… so that's the way you like to do it? Interesting…" Harry's voice trailed off. He tentatively brought his hand toward her hair and stroked it as she gave a deep, guttural moan.

"My bedroom is upstairs," she breathed in his ear.

"I don't think I can wait that long," he murmured. With a sharp intake of breath her hand on his chest clenched into a fist as she grabbed his shirt, pulling him into the kitchen. He unbuckled his belt as she undid her blouse, and they were on the table within seconds. "I've never done this before…" she whispered.

"I have. Don't be scared." Gently, he began to kiss his way down her neck. She groaned with pleasure as his lips trailed down her supple flesh. His hands caressed her bosom and arms grew tighter around his body. He slowly peeled off her clothes, exposing her sensitive skin to the frigid air. She responded with passion, directing her slender fingers down his pulsing body and tearing his shirt off with her teeth, an animal rabid with lust. She grabbed his hips and ground him against her. "Yes, yes, yes," he whispered in her ear. Victoria growled in response. Her desire for him brought her into a state of frenzy as she wildly grabbed at his luscious, black locks.

"Wait," he breathed, "I don't even know who you are."

"I'm Victoria, Victoria Mueller," she responded.

"Well, Victoria, it's time to go back to Hogwarts. I am your guide." He grabbed her hand and helped her to her feet. Harry offered Victoria her shirt and began to dress himself. Victoria noticed he had marks from her claws all down his back. She shivered at the memory of their encounter as she pulled on her torn clothes. After enduring so much of her life without a loving touch, she felt a bit disappointed that it had all ended so soon.

They finished dressing and walked side-by-side back into the hallway of the orphanage. She could still feel the heat of his body and she longed to touch him again. Her wish was granted when he pulled her into his arms and they apparated together to Hogwarts.