Hello everyone! Here is the next chapter of Finding the Way Back! I am on a roll with these chapters! Unfortunately, this is the bad news: my Spring break is almost over :( I will try to continue to write though! Also, guess who went out first thing this morning and got her DVD of Les Miserables? I did! And I can't wait to watch it!

Thank you to everyone who reviewed and favorited and followed the story! It is because of you people that I write this story! So, like always, please review, and I will hopefully update soon!

-Iris

Disclaimer: I unfortunately do not own Howl's Moving Castle. If I did, I would not change a thing about it! I do own my OCs, Melinda and Brian.


I can only trust Sophie's instincts as to why she has left me. I know she left because of that witch, and I am trying to get rid of Melinda. I am unable to find something to get rid of the curse, but that does not mean that I will quit trying. No. I will continue to try so she can come back home to be with me.

Howl


"Master Howl, where is Sophie?"

Howl looked at Markl above his tea cup. He had been dreading this question for the past few hours, and finally had to give an answer. "She had to visit her sister," Howl said slowly. "Her sister hasn't been feeling well lately, and Sophie decided to be with her until she felt better."

"When will she be back?"

"I don't know, Markl…"

Markl furrowed his eyebrows as he watched the wizard rubbing his eyes. "You are not going to be cooking and cleaning, are you?"

"No, Markl." Howl was starting to get annoyed over the boy's questions and wanted to be alone, but he had to address the issue at hand. "There is someone who is going to take her place until she arrives back," Howl spoke flatly. "My friend, Melinda, arrived early this morning." The wizard looked directly at Markl. "Take my warning seriously. She is not to be trifled with. She is a witch and has an anger management problem. Ignore her and only talk to her if necessary."

"Why is she here then? And where is Calcifer? I haven't seen him all morning." Markl kept looking past Howl, expecting to see the fire demon in the fireplace.

"Melinda is here because she needs a place to stay," Howl lied. He did not want to trouble Markl any further and needed time to figure out what the witch was up to. "Calcifer went with Sophie to keep an eye out for her. He will be visiting every once in a while to give an update on her sister as well as when Sophie is going to come back. Now go back to your studies please."

Markl seemed pleased with the answer as he went back to his room. The Witch of the Waste shook her head as she walked out of her room into the kitchen where Howl continued to stand. She didn't talk too much to Howl and stuck to herself anymore, not bothering anyone. To Howl, that was perfectly fine. "I think I might leave before this turns into chaos," the old woman stated as she poured herself a cup of tea. "She is strong and wants to cause destruction." She took a sip before continuing. "Is she the one controlling Sophie?"

Howl paused what he was working on and stood up from his chair. He stared at the witch in confusion. "How did you know about that?"

"Once a witch, always a witch," she chuckled. "Have you done anything to protect your house or Markl for that matter?"

This caught Howl off guard as he slumped back into the chair. She may Sophie-proof the house… He felt himself become angered and clenched his fist. "I am going to do that now. I can't let her take control. She is not welcomed here even though she made the house that way. Two can play at that game." He glanced back at the old witch. "Are you staying or leaving," he asked.

"I can't really decide. It would be easier to leave, but then again, you need as much help as you can get against this bitch."

Howl smiled as he shook his head. "Thank you for staying. I do need all the help I can get."

The Witch of the Waste walked back to her room without another word. At that moment, Howl ran around the place placing enchantments and spells on the house and its occupants, to protect them from Melinda. The whole time, he kept thinking about Sophie. Please come back soon.


Sophie woke up with her stomach churning slightly. It had been three weeks since she moved from the castle and from Howl, and she was still depressed for it. The town she stayed in was small and quaint, but she was considered the outsider of it. She only met one friend, her landlord Brian, who she only saw if she had problems with the place or if she was shopping in the market.

I should have never eaten that meat… Sophie ran to the restroom and threw up into the toilet. She sat down in front of the toilet and felt tears come to her eyes. She wanted Howl there. She wanted to go back to the night when he proposed to her, before Melinda came to being. She just wanted her old life back. She felt herself slowly get up and wash her face off. She looked into the mirror to the young woman staring back. Sophie noticed that she lost some weight and her cheeks were beginning to hollow in. She was that depressed. I need to shape up. I can't keep living like this.

As she exited the bathroom, she caught glimpse of the fire demon looking concerned. "Sophie. Are you okay?"

Sophie smiled and nodded. "I just need some fresh air. I think that meat I had last night wasn't good. That's all."

Sophie changed into a light blue dress and her brown boots before heading outside. "I'll be back soon!"

The young woman walked a little ways to the village and found herself going to the market. I might as well get some fresh fruits and vegetables.

"Good morning, Miss Sophie," the gentleman behind the potato cart grinned. "What can I do for you?"

Everyone knew Sophie's name as she was the topic of most gossip in the village. She knew a few people but not a lot. "I would like a pound of potatoes please, Mr. Rannyson." As the man started piling potatoes in the bag, she heard a group of women chuckling behind her. Still turned to the cart, she found herself listening to the gossip.

"I heard that she was a witch and her husband didn't want her… That's why she is here now," a shrill voice spoke out.

"She better not curse my daughter if that's the case…" a stern voice stated.

They were talking about her. Maybe she should leave this place and find somewhere else. As much as Sophie wanted to leave the cart and cry, she stayed there and continued to listen.

"Maybe she just had to get away from someone? I mean, she could have been abused or something…" a soft voice whispered.

Yeah, mentally abused by a witch, Sophie found herself thinking.

The shrill voice spoke again. "That sounds ridiculous, Nancy. You know she's a witch. I mean, look at her hair! That is not a natural color for a young woman…"

The women's voices trailed off as Sophie grabbed the potato bag. "Thank you, Mr. Rannyson."

"Don't listen to them." Sophie looked at the bigger and stockier man. "They always need something to gossip about." The girl nodded her head and mumbled a thank you before she walked back to her house.

Sophie felt her head grow light as she was half way to her house. I never feel this lightheaded… Is Melinda behind this? Sophie realized that she has not been harassed by Melinda in a few weeks. Does this mean my curse has been lifted.

No. I'm still here. Just busy doing your job. And loving Howl. Don't bother coming back Sophie.

What if I do? Then what?

Let me give you a taste.

Sophie felt her head begin to throb tremendously and cursed to herself as she dropped the potatoes in pain. She bent her legs and grabbed her head as tears came to her eyes. I won't give in!

Yes you will. You always do to me. I will always be in your mind. I will always control you. I will always have Howl to myself. You will never stop me. Not when I finally have Howl under my control. You better enjoy your next couple days as they may be your last as the future Mrs. Jenkins!

Not anymore! I will not put up with this anymore! You have been destroying my life, and this is the last time you will control my head! Go away! "Get out!" She shouted. Melinda's voice went away as Sophie felt herself slowly fall down. I think I did it. The last thing she heard was her name being called out.