With a deep, mind clearing sigh, she made her way to the table, where her owl was perched, and picked up the note that he had dropped right beside the teapot. She opened the sealed envelope and petted her owl in thanks with the back of her finger as she unfolded the letter and read it, preparing for the worst. She was never very good with social things, and she was afraid that he'd think she was odd.

Dear Raven,

My mum said to expect your letter, and thank you, I really have been feeling ill lately, but I think I'm getting over it. Since you told me about yourself it's only fair that I share the same information. I'm a nine year old boy, my real name is Albus (I'm curious as to why you can't tell me yours, but I won't ask), and I'll be starting Hogwarts two years after you do. My mum says that this is a bit strange, but strange is more fun than normal, isn't it?

Sincerely and Forever, Albus Potter

Rosalie smiled at the signature, it wasn't unlike her own, and then reread the letter. He was only nine, so young, almost too young to be her friend, but he was kind if his letter was anything to go by, and she smiled. She didn't know much about this Albus, but she knew that she liked him. When he finally go to Hogwarts she'd be sure to befriend him.

"Mr. Avery, can I write him another letter?" She asked him wondering if that was even appropriate.

"Of course, but it's late, wait until tomorrow, Richard needs sleep too you know." He chuckled, and ruffled her hair, misplacing the short curls that barely reached her shoulders since her Aunt had cut them all off.

"Alright, so in the morning?" She asked him eagerly.

He chuckled. "Yes, Rosalie, in the morning,"

She nodded and as she went up to bed she remembered something.

"Mr. Avery." She called from the third step.

"Yes?"

"Did my mother like to sing?"

"Yes, she liked to sing a lot. It was one of her favorite things to do besides magic."

She nodded, there was no doubt in her mind now, the woman singing in her dream was her mother. She still didn't believe that her mother had tried to kill her.

She headed back upstairs and washed, then settled in her bed. There was another book waiting for her when she got into her room so she picked it up and started to read. She was half way through when she yawned the first time. She decided that since she didn't know what was going on the next day, it was best that she bed early, so that was what she did. She saved her place in her book with her wand, which had been nestled in a convenient pocket in her dress until she had her shower, upon which time she'd placed it on her nightstand, and turned off the little lamp beside her bed before falling into a restful sleep.

For the first time in years she had refrained from having the nightmare for reason's other than being completely exhausted. That had never happened to her before. She always had the nightmare, but that night she just hadn't. She wondered if her newfound knowledge had anything to do with it, or maybe it was her newfound resolve.

Richard slept with his head tucked under the wings, and she smiled at how adorable he was perched in his cage. Mr. Avery had told her to leave the window open, and the cage, so that when he had rested he could fly around as he pleased. He had also told her to expect Richard to bring dead things back. That had scared her a bit, but she'd gotten over it. As she looked around the room now she saw nothing dead lurking in the corners, and she let out a sigh of relief.

She climbed out of bed and Richard stirred. "Hey Richard," She smiled at him, "How are you this morning?" He hooted and she giggled at her silly owl responding to her questions.

"I'll ask Mr. Avery if I'm supposed to feed you or just let you feed yourself," She told him, brushing her crooked finger along the side of his face and down his wing. "Right after I find something to wear, I really need some clothes. Even at the Gray's I had a couple sets."

She made her way to the bathroom to take care of her hygiene then back to her room, and to her surprise, she found another outfit waiting for her. Again a dress, that was much nicer than anything she'd worn before, and flowers all over were quite intriguing to her.

"The scarf and the sunglasses are to stay covered, I almost risked your life yesterday because I didn't think. keep the sunglasses on and the scarf over your head anytime you're in public. I know it seems like a lot of hassle, but it's for the best Rosalie." He assured her as she looked down at the objects laying on top of the dress. Ignoring the scarf and sunglasses she picked up the ring and examined it before turning to Mr. Avery. She was going to ask him if he'd dropped it on accident, but the way he was shaking his head kept her mouth shut.

"It's all your Rosalie, I didn't accidently drop anything." He smiled warmly. She nodded and slipped the ring onto her finger. It felt heavy, and was just a bit too big, but she'd never owned a piece of jewelry before, and she liked it. She smiled at it on her finger.

"Alright, get dressed, I'm going to take you into London to buy some muggle clothes, hopefully they'll still fit you come next summer, I've always hated shopping, sales clerks are ever so annoying." He stated, somewhat disgruntled, "Anyway, we're leaving as soon as you're done with breakfast." He informed her before Belle came crashing in and jumped up, putting her paws on Rosalie's chest and licking her face.

Rosalie giggled, and made no move to push the large dog off of her. "And did you choose this one as well, Belle?" She asked referring to the outfit she was about to adorn. Belle barked once and licked her face before jumping down onto the floor.

"Well, we'll leave you too it, breakfast will be ready as soon as you are." he smiled before heading out.

As she changed into the dress she couldn't help but think how nice this was of Mr. Avery. Nobody was ever nice to her for absolutely no reason, except Mr. Avery of course, he had always been there for her when she needed a place to hide from her own aunt and uncle. She always had a safe haven here, and now the haven was permanent, at least until she went to school. She was so excited to be among people just like her, even if it was possible that they would hate her.

Now that she thought about it, maybe she didn't want to go to Hogwarts. In either life she could choose people would hate her, but at least people wouldn't try to kill her if she stayed with muggles.

She shook her head. Surely people didn't blame her for her parents wrongdoings. This was all just Mr. Avery being cautious, she assured herself. Nobody would hurt her, she was sure of it.

She slipped into the dress and the sandals, which were perfectly acceptable in the newfound sun lighten days that brought warmth to the dreary suburb. She made her way downstairs slipping the scarf over her arm and holding the sunglasses in her hand. At some point Richard had decided to make his way to the kitchen and he was now happily munching upon whatever Mr. Avery had given him.

Upon setting her eyes on the owl she remembered the letter she had intended to write, and as did Mr. Avery apparently, seeing that sitting on the table before a clean set of flatware there was a quill and ink vial and a piece of parchment.

"Breakfast is ready, but, if you wish, you may write your letter before you eat." She nodded and sat at the place set for her, eager to begin writing. She wasn't sure why, perhaps it was just the thrill of having someone to write to. She wasn't sure, but she didn't care.

She dipped her quill and attempted to make her handwriting presentable.

Dear Albus,

To be completely honest with you, I'm not sure what I should write, but seeing as your the first person in my general age category ever to willingly speak with me without hating me for no reason I can't seem to let go of the contact, though I suppose this isn't speaking. Anyway, I suppose telling you a bit more about myself is an order, yes? I only found out that I was a witch a few days ago, before that I was living with my aunt and uncle on my fathers side, his only brother. I can't say that I was happy there, but now I'm happy, in my new home with my lovely owl. (I'm enclosing a treat for you to feed him, he really is such a splendid owl, or at least I think he is, he's the only owl that I've ever had contact with.)

My parents are dead, and I'm an only child, my eyes are green, my hair is black, and I like to read, I'm very good at it in fact. My classmates used to tease me because I read too fast, but that's because they were ignorant. Words are a gift you see, humans are the only beings capable of such marvelous complexities as words and languages, but so few people appreciate them. My cousin had her own mobile and she was on it constantly, and sometimes she'd leave it on the counter and I'd see the messages she sent her friends. They were absolute mockeries of English, she never spelt words out, or anywhere near correctly, she would say things like "u" and "y" and "wat" it was atrocious... and now I've wasted half a piece of parchment by being up on my soap box. Ah well, I suppose that tells you plenty about me doesn't it? And just make sure you reply I'd be devastated if you didn't. *Tortured Heroin Sigh*

Always and Truly, Raven

Rosalie very nearly wrote her own name, rather than her pen name, and was dearly afraid that Mr. Avery would reprimand her.

Though she was afraid of his reprimand, she knew that he was only doing this to keep her safe. He feared for her life, seeing as people can be so cruel, a fact she was aware of first hand, and she was glad that there was someone there to look out for her. She folded up the letter as Mr. Avery had instructed her to do with the last one, and looked up at him expectantly as he sipped his coffee, and read his newspaper.

He looked up as if sensing her gaze and smiled. "All done?"

She nodded and he took it from her. "I'll go seal it and put it in an envelope. Come Richard," He said, gesturing to the owl to follow him. Richard flew up from his perch on the sink and went to rest on Mr. Avery's shoulder. She giggled and both the man and the owl looked back, Richard quizzically and Mr. Avery with a grin spread across his face. He gave her a quick nod, then used the hand holding her letter to indicate the table. "Eat." He smiled.

She looked down to see the previously empty plate heaping with food. She sighed. She'd never be able to eat all this, and it would just go to waste. She hated to waste food. She knew what it was like to starve, and didn't like the idea of perfectly good food going into the garbage. None the less, she began to pick at her plate, eating a few things here and there. She ate about a fourth of the things on her plate, and then she couldn't eat anymore.

Mr. Avery was taking an awfully long time, and even Belle had yet to make an appearance. As strange as it was, she decided that she rather not dwell on the matter. She sat obediently at the table, not sure what to do now that she was finished, and waited for Mr. Avery.

She waited for five more minutes before she decided to go upstairs and get her book, then sit on the couch and await him. She was another forty pages in when she heard Mr. Avery's cheerful voice from the kitchen. "Rosalie, where have you gone?"

"Right here." She stated, springing up and popping her head into the kitchen.

"Ah, yes, well, it's about time we get going, yes?" He asked.

She nodded and followed him to his car. She was unsure about where to sit, seeing as she rarely rode in cars, and he smiled, gesturing for her to take the seat beside him as he slid in. She took the seat she was offered, and sat the book, that she'd just remembered she'd had, in her lap so she could buckle her seatbelt. She had forgotten to set it down. Well, there was no use in doing so no, she might as well read some more.

As Mr. Avery navigated the twisting turning roads into the city she read another thirty pages. When they entered the city she set down her book, eyes wide with excitement as she looked upon the structures before her. She'd never been in the city before, having never been allowed, and she didn't want to miss anything.

The Hustle and bustle of the city entranced her, along with the buildings, so ornate, so beautiful. The people walking along the walkways were so strange, some of them in business attire, others seemingly heading nowhere, wandering aimlessly. She couldn't help but think that each of these people had lives, had stories, tales to be told and skeletons in their closets. Everyone on that street had a life that somehow interacted with others, and if you really thought about it you could trace anyone back to anyone. Anyone of these people could know her aunt or uncle, may've once crossed paths with her neighbor, it was simply undeterminable the amount of possibilities that could eventually connect anyone of the people on that street to her.

As she looked out at the street she caught the eye of one passer by in particular. A gray eyed blond haired man, that wasn't unlike the boy that had upset her the day before in Diagon Alley. He gave Rosalie a cold glare, and Rosalie found that she couldn't look away from the angry eyes that were set upon her. Mr. Avery didn't even notice the man walking down the street, but she did. It wasn't until he was no longer visible that she turned back in her seat to look at the buildings, rather than the people, avoiding eye contact. She didn't like the glare of the gray eyed man with hair so pale it was nearly translucent. It made her uneasy, that ice cold glare, and she couldn't think of anything she'd done to deserve it.

They continued to drive, and soon Rosalie forgot all about the gray eyed man, only to have her thoughts consumed by another man with colored eyes.

Mr. Avery had just pulled into a large shopping complex when someone came up to the window. "Where are your glasses?" he asked her smiling at the man standing in the window. The blue eyes that were looking through the window at Mr. Avery and Rosalie were smiling and happy, she doubted that they would cause her harm.

None the less as she was instructed she pulled her scarf over her soft curls and slipped on the bright pink glasses with dark lenses.

They both exited the car and Mr. Avery greeted the man with red hair and blue eyes who was happy and smiling. "Avery, you've gotten so old." The red haired man laughed shaking hands with Mr. Avery and clapping him on the back like they were old friends. "And who's this, your wife?" joked the blue eyed man.

Rosalie scrutinized him, not sure if she should trust the joking form of the man in front of her. "Not one for jokes, is she?" The blue eyed man asked Mr. Avery.

"Not with strangers." Mr. Avery said, before turning to her. "Raven, this is Charlie, Charlie, this is my niece Raven."

"Good, to meet you Raven, I've heard absolutely nothing about you, but I've got a couple nephews around your age who I'm sure would like to hear everything." He grinned and gave her a wink. She cocked her head, to the side not quite understanding what he was trying to say.

"Charlie," Mr. Avery said sternly. The man called Charlie just looked hurt, well like he was feigning hurt.

"And what have I done now old man? It's the truth. The only ones who should be angry are my nephews, lord know how easily embarrassed children are." He laughed and then continued, "Why don't we get a bite and catch up? I haven't seen you in ages."

Mr. Avery gave Rosalie a quick glance and then nodded abruptly, "I don't see why not, we were going to do some shopping, but we have all day."

But they had just eaten... And she was under the impression that Mr. Avery wasn't exactly Charlie's biggest fan... Things were so strange, nothing was what it seemed. She followed in Mr. Avery's footsteps as they made their way to a café in the center, and sat where she was told, never removing her sunglasses or taking her eyes off the blue eyed man. He noticed her gaze, or so she assumed by the way he kept glancing at her uneasily.

Mr. Avery went to get the three of them something to nosh on and she was left alone with the blue eyed man. He leaned forward and spoke to her in a low voice. "I know who you are Rosalie," He stated kindly and softly. On instinct she stiffened and her eyes sought out Mr. Avery who was still at the counter, placing his orders. She felt around in the pocket of her dress for her wand. She knew no spells, but it was comforting to know that it was there. She returned her gaze to the blue eyed man, watching him watch her. She paid particular attention to his hand, his right hand, to make sure he didn't draw his wand, if he did so before Mr. Avery came back all hope was lost.

"There is no need to be suspicious. Raven, I was just letting you know that I'm one of the good guys, but that doesn't mean everyone will be." He tried to calm her. She tightened her grip on her wand and continued to examine him.

"You say you are a good guy, but are you really? Anyone can tell a lie." She narrowed her eyes, gauging his reaction.

"You're very right, but if I were a bad guy would Avery have left me alone with you?" He countered, raising an eyebrow at her expectantly.

"As I said, anyone can tell a lie." She scrutinized him. His eyebrows scrunched up and he looked at her calculatingly.

"My, my. You've been raised to be cautious, and any girl in your situation would want to be the same way, but you have to trust someone."

"I trust Mr. Avery." She said defiantly, tilting her chin up.

"But is that a wise choice?" he asked her. She was just about to rebuke him, but just then Mr. Avery arrived with cups and a paper bag.

"Alright, got everyone's favorites, Charlie I wasn't sure how you liked your coffee-"

"Black is fine," Charlie smiled handing Mr. Avery a couple of pounds. "How have you been old man?" He asked Mr. Avery.

"Honestly I can't complain, how are things in the dragon business." Mr. Avery asked stirring some powder into his coffee.

"Fiery, as usual."

There was an awkward silence and she watched the two men drink their coffees.

"Oh, Rosalie, I got you a hot chocolate and a biscuit." Mr. Avery said handing her the last drink in the brown tray and a paper wrapped object. She nodded in thanks and smiled, trying not to appear startled by the use of her proper name. She wasn't sure if he had slipped up, or if he trusted this Charlie person, but either way she was taking no chances. She picked up her hot chocolate and sipped it delicately, still full from breakfast, and nibbled on the biscuit. Watching the two men.

"Raven," Charlie said after several minutes of silence, she turned to him acknowledging his words, "have you been enjoying your stay with Avery so far?" He asked her.

"I never said she was staying with me." Mr. Avery cut in, before she could answer.

"Sorry, old man, I just assumed," He smiled, but it seemed forced, and there was now an uneasiness about him that made Rosalie wonder.

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have, Raven, come along, I think we best begin shopping. It was good seeing you Charlie." He smiled like he wasn't cross with the man. The way Mr. Avery spoke, it seemed as if he was just in a hurry, and there was nothing wrong, but Rosalie knew that there was something wrong.

The only problem was that she wasn't sure if there was something wrong with Charlie, or Mr. Avery.

Mr. Avery lead her back to the car, much faster than they had gone to the café and before she knew it she was being shoved back in the car. She made to protest, but decided against it. Mr. Avery strapped her in and locked her door before closing it and going around to his own. He strapped himself in and drove off much faster than the limit allowed.

"So much for shopping," he muttered to himself. "I'm sorry, Rosalie, I just can't take ay chances with you, I'm just-" She took a deep breath as he drove out of London. "I'm just afraid for you, I haven't spoken to that man since we graduated, and I'm afraid that he knows something he shouldn't. I'm sorry I slipped up Rosalie, I realized too late that I'd called you Rosalie, and I was hoping that he didn't notice, but then he made that remark about you staying with me, which nobody but the headmistress of Hogwarts is supposed to be aware of, for your safety of course, and-" he took another deep breath. "I don't want them to take you from me Rosalie." The old man said, seeming tortured by the thought. She felt for him. Whatever it was about her that made him care obviously ran deep, and she felt the need to reassure him, but she had no idea how.

For the rest of the journey, rather than reading her book, she stared out the window and contemplated the words of the blue eyed man which still rang loud in her thought space.

"Is that a wise choice?"

*Quick Note*

Updates for this story will be weekly, on Sundays unless otherwise specified in my profile.

Thanks for reading

-Isola