So after a terribly long break, we're back on track.
I hope updates will be regular from now on, since my dear editor and I are done with our exams by this week's end.
Chapter 26 - Lugano
Alexa released the parchment that was tied to the owl's leg, giving the messenger a treat, which it devoured gluttonously; the light grey, slightly overweight owl reminded her greatly, of its owner, Neville Longbottom. "Draco, we've got mail." Alexa called out, and Draco stepped out of the shower a moment later, his wet hair dripping all over her spotless floor.
Draco rolled his eyes as a response to her scolding stare, and preformed a drying spell on his hair. "What does it say?"
"Some information Neville gathered on one Jorun Yngling," Alexa replied with a small smile, "He's a researcher for the Swiss University of Magic, and has been in that position since 1996. Now, would you still say he's not the one we're looking for?"
"It does seem to fit," Draco admitted reluctantly, refusing to have his hopes raised, "So we just go to Switzerland now?"
"We can't just show up in Switzerland," Alexa said, "And snoop around for information. They'd kick us out of the country before we say 'Lumos'."
Draco chuckled softly, "So what do you suggest?"
"Neville offered to send us as his apprentices," Alexa said quietly, fearing Draco's reaction.
He snorted ungracefully. "I'd never thought I'll live to see that day where a Malfoy was subjugated by a Longbottom." Draco spat with disgust, "I'm not sure my pride could handle it."
"A Malfoy's pride is untouchable and everlasting, you needn't fear," Alexa theatrically, smirking. "Longbottom attached a few of Yngling's articles. We have some background reading to do before we show up at the university's door."
"I hate Herbology." Draco remarked, browsing through one of the papers Alexa handed him.
"I was never a fan myself," Alexa said, equally livid, "But the good news is that the university is located on the bank of Lago di Lugano, and it is really magical there at this time of year."
"Never took you for the romantic type," Draco raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I can appreciate beauty," Alexa snapped defensively. Draco gave her a peculiar look but said no more, and both of them delved into the articles, studying the subject over a steaming cup of coffee.
A few days later, when they obtained sufficient knowledge and the entry permission, they were ready to leave for Switzerland. A tired looking Hermione escorted them to the airport, dark bags under her half closed eyes, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience again, but they won't allow international Apparating." She apologized for the hundredth time.
Draco waved his hand in dismissal, "You did a fantastic job; it's was miraculous that you managed to get us a visa on such short notice." He complimented with a kind smile, and a light blush appeared on Hermione's cheeks, "Now go get some sleep, you look like hell."
Alexa smiled to herself; Draco was often unnecessarily harsh and critical, usually when he tried to cover his concern for others. She observed the man before her and barely recognized him as the snobbish, self-centered brat he was a decade ago. He seemed to be more relaxed during that plane ride, and Alexa nearly dared say he might have learnt to trust Muggle technology; definitely a first in the Malfoy's history.
Alexa had not been exaggerating when she'd described Lugano as magical; it was early summer and nature was blossoming in its full glory, covering the land in a colorful rag. Besides the breathtaking natural beauty, the city was a home to many fascinating historical buildings, with a clear Romanesque theme. Even the elitist Draco appeared impressed when they walked through the mighty gates of the university, into vivid park that was meticulously tended.
A scrawny old man with a pointy nose awaited them in the reception hall; only after examining their visas and formal invitations closely did he seemed satisfied. "Welcome, Miss Kaiser, Mister Malfoy," he said coldly, with a clear Italian accent. "My name is Francesco Cupani and I'm head of the Herbology department," he introduced himself, "I'm afraid professor Yngling is currently away, researching, so a meeting could not be arranged."
"Will it be too much to ask of you where the professor staying at the moment?" Alexa asked with her sweetest smile, "We are great enthusiasts of his work, and it would be a dream come true to watch it in progress."
Francesco Cupani watched her with suspicious expression, his tanned face slotted by deep wrinkles; Alexa hoped she would never have to lie to him again. Fortunately her façade was convincing enough, and his expression softened, "Young people, always so impatient, impulsive. But it is refreshing to see such thirst for knowledge," he said with a forgiving smile, but Alexa sensed that he knew more than he let on, "Professor Yngling is currently staying in a village called San Bernardino, about three hours of travel from here. You should owl him first, and inform him of your arrival."
Draco and Alexa nodded and the older man continued, "I suggest you take the remainder of the day to enjoy the city; then take the bus to the village first thing in the morning."
"Thank you very much," Alexa said gratefully, giving him another bright smile. When they turned to leave Draco gave her a dark look.
"Aren't you the epitome of academic curiosity." He said snidely, his lips curling unpleasantly.
"Well, it worked, didn't it?" Alexa barked, returning his stare.
Draco pressed his lips tightly together, probably trying to refrain from a nasty comment, and they made their way peacefully out of the university grounds. "We should go look for a hotel to stay in the night." He remarked flatly.
"I need to shop for ingredients; I'm short on some of the potions' essentials." Alexa said, mentally making a list of what she had to buy.
"Then maybe we should split up," Draco suggested in a clipped voice, causing it to sound like a very final statement, rather than a suggestion.
"Probably," Alexa replied icily, taking out a pen and a piece of paper, writing down the list, while methodically ignoring Draco's glare. Without another word their ways parted and Alexa was quite relieved to have her first alone time in nearly a month; she was suffering from a Draco Malfoy overdose.
In her last visit in Lugano, several years ago, she stayed only in the Muggle part of the city, never bothering to search for the Wizarding community. Now, when she was in need of potions ingredients, she racked her brains trying to remember where the Wizarding market was said to be. She walked mindlessly in the crowded main street of the Muggle city, her eyes darting between fashionable shops and delicious looking ice cream stands, searching for a hint of magic. The next thing she felt was a very non magical pain in her shoulder as she collided with a firm object. She looked up to see a young man, who began to apologize rapidly in fluent Italian; she gave him a dismissing smile and continued her search.
"Miss, wait!" she heard someone yell in English, and turned around to see the said man hurrying after her. She halted and watched him curiously.
"You dropped this," he said, handing her the ingredients list, "And I happen to know where you can purchase these items," he mentioned with a knowing smile. She took a moment to observe his features; from his lean structure to the strong features of his face. He had eyes that were a dark shade of blue, skin that was uncommonly pale in comparison to the locals and a head of jet-black hair with fringes falling on his forehead.
The man interpreted her lack of response as hesitation or suspicion and smiled kindly, "I'm in need of a few of these as well," he remarked, motioning at her list, "The least I could do is show you around after rudely slamming into you."
"I'd like that," she replied with a flirty smile, and he immediately linked their arms, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Unable to deny it, Alexa admitted silently to herself that indeed, it did feel quite natural.
"May I ask for your name, my lady?" he inquired, glancing at her briefly, and though his English was impeccable it was clear it was not his mother tongue.
"Alexa," she answered, "And you are…?"
"Eiliv," he said with a French accent, the syllables melodically rolling on his tongue, "No surname?" he asked with a lopsided grin.
"You haven't provided that information either…" Alexa retorted, smirking.
He turned to look at her, amused, "I guess your pedigree is of very little importance these days." He commented vaguely.
"Not everywhere," Alexa said cautiously, prying for information.
"It's not here." He replied firmly, leading her towards a spacious plaza. They halted in front of a beautiful water fountain and Eiliv pulled out a little golden coin, and dropped it into the water. Alexa felt a clear wave of magical energy and Eiliv tugged on her arm, leading her straight into the water. Surprisingly, she did not get wet, and when she opened her eyes she found herself in the center of a marketplace that was anything but Muggle.
"Welcome to piazza Pinneti," Eiliv said softly as Alexa's eyes widened in desperate attempt to memorize every detail of the splendid sight in front of her; a shiny marble boulevard with towering columns at each side, straight out of the glorious days of Rome. She let out a breath she did not realize she was holding and let Eiliv navigate between the vendors, showing her to the potion stores.
It was a late afternoon when they were done with their shopping, and the grand tour he had gladly provided her, and he offered to get gelato at the famous parlour of Marghera. "Let's see if it's as good as Florean Fortesque's." Alexa said, agreeing.
Eiliv seemed like he was about to snort, but his good manners did not allow him. He settled for a contemptuous frown. "Florean was Marghera's apprentice; he stole a few secrets and ran away to Britain. I'm certain that he could not compete with a culinary artist like Marghera." He remarked snidely.
Alexa chuckled softly and followed Eiliv to the parlour, walking half a step behind him and watching his movements; he had something regal about the way he carried himself and Alexa was ready to bet her fortune that his surname would be revealed as one of the ancient pureblood families. A few moments later, while enjoying a berry gelato in what was almost a perverted manner, she had to admit Eiliv was right, and was fairly disappointed with the notion that she could never relish Florean's ice cream the way she did in the past, not after tasting that heavenly gelato.
She found herself engulfed in conversation with Eiliv; he was fluent and witty and though he seemed talkative she could not miss the fact that he revealed very little about himself. He had an aura of mystery around him and she felt herself drawn to him, a fact that troubled her greatly. He gave her another breathtaking smile and she thought her heart fluttered, but that was not what caused the shudder in her chest. She immediately reached into her jacket and pulled out the Two-Way mirror, her face paling as she witnessed the horrible sight.
The bloody face of Draco peered at her from the mirror and his voice was hardly above a whisper when he called her name. "Draco! Where are you?" she asked frantically, forgetting all about Eiliv.
Too weak to answer he only turned the mirror around, letting her get a glimpse of the scenery. Behind her shoulder, Eiliv was watching with a dark expression. "The boat houses near the lake." He told her quietly, startling her, "I can Apparate you there."
"Thank you," she said meekly, taking the hand he offered her, and a moment later they were in a deserted area, a strong stench of fish and tar polluting the air. Those were probably the longest moments of Alexa's life, the ones that passed until they located Draco, lying in a pool of his own blood right outside a neglected warehouse.
"Draco!" Alexa whispered, falling to her knees beside him and checking for his vital signs; they were weak, but they were there nonetheless. She automatically started treating him, making a quick switch to a professional mode, and when she tried to stop his blood loss he was just another faceless patient that she had to save. Thinking it was Draco dying there would probably paralyze her.
She suddenly recalled that Eiliv was still there, watching her curiously as she worked with determination and confidence. "You can come to my place. Can he be Apparated?" Eiliv inquired.
"I'm afraid not, he's barely stable." Alexa said worriedly.
"Well, then…" Eiliv sighed heavily and pulled out his wand, casting a nonverbal spell that lifted Draco's body and another illusion charm, earning him Alexa's respect. They walked back to the center of the city, trying to avoid crowded streets, Alexa kept alert, sensing danger. They made their way safely to his apartment, located surprisingly in the Muggle part of Lugano, and Eiliv rested Draco on the sofa. Alexa grimaced as she watched the blood stain the expensive looking leather, and immediately returned to healing him, giving him a blood replenishing potion and a sedating pill before turning to examine the wounds more closely.
"Dark magic," She said to herself, running her fingers over the serrated cuts that refused to close. She got up and looked through the items she purchased, starting to sort out what she needed. "Do you have any…?" she began to ask when he nodded, motioning towards his kitchen. He opened one of the closets, revealing a very impressive collection of cauldrons, scales, knives and glassware. She cocked a questioning eyebrow at him.
"I'm an amateur potioneer," he revealed.
"Doesn't look like amateur equipment to me," she stated while taking out what she needed.
He seemed to ignore her statement, "You're a healer." He said responded with assertion, to which she nodded, "and this is…?" he glanced over to Draco.
"A friend of mine." Alexa said curtly, chopping roots in an inhuman speed. Eiliv walked over to Draco's unconscious body and gently released the mirror from Draco's grasp, examining it closely.
"A Two-Way mirror," he acknowledged, "Very rare, very expensive, probably an heirloom." He remarked, caressing the object with a long, pale finger. "You're probably close friends." He said with a meaningful smirk. Alexa pretended to be occupied by her work, which was relatively easy, as these potions were quite tricky. It was a late hour when Alexa was finished treating Draco, after feeding him some potion and putting ointments on his wounds, bandaging him and cleaning him; she collapsed on a nearby chair.
"I never got to thank you for your hospitality," Alexa said quietly, giving Eiliv a grateful smile, "I will be in your debt forever."
"I will hold you to that." Eiliv replied, and she could not tell if he was serious or joking. "Come, you need to rest," he said, helping her to stand and leading her to a modest bedroom. She quickly scanned the small apartment with her eyes and did the math; this was his bedroom. "Don't worry. I have work to do tonight so you have the bed to yourself." He informed her, beginning to walk towards his study, "And anyway, you're too thin for my liking," he added with a wink and disappeared into the other room.
Too tired to protest, Alexa collapsed on his bed; filthy with blood and fully clothed. Her sleep was restless and hunted, as bad as it had been during the war and she found herself waking up with a start, sitting stiffly in bed, sweaty and shivering, her throat sore from screaming. A pair of strong arms and a few soothing whispers lulled her back to sleep.
Always good to add another attractive man to the equation, to test a woman's true feeling, don't you think?
I hope someone's still reading this, or else I'm talking to myself.