By: Milah Luciana Merverosa
A/N: Hey guys, what's up? This is my
first piece published. I love criticism! Please, let me know what you think. I
will take the good and the bad with a smile. It is only through constructive
criticism that writers truly prosper. Please read and review! *Sits back* I
hope you enjoy, and I'll post as often as I can. Mille grazie! (Thanks a lot!)
Oh, and I own only Milah, and the plot. Everything else belongs to Rowling the
Great.
Kind regards,
~Milah Luciana Merverosa
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Chapter 2
The next morning I awoke with the bright sunlight warming my face, and I became vaguely aware of birds chirping outside my window. It was a beautiful morning, even though I had an unpleasant task to perform. I needed to inform the shopkeeper for whom I had been working since my arrival ten years ago, about my departure. He was not going to be happy...
"Mr. Ashwin, I have some news for you." I said as I hung my cloak up on the rack sitting near the door.
"Good Morning, Milah, and how are you?" He smiled from his corner where he was repairing a delicate white gold ring.
"I'm doing well."
"Your ring is almost finished; I'll have it to you in a few minutes. I must admit that I've never seen gold do this before. If it's enchanted, which I suspect that it is, you should check on the person who gave it to you..."
"That's actually what I came to talk to you about, sir..."
His face darkened slightly, only slightly, and he brushed the grayish-blonde curls out of his wrinkled face. "Oh?"
"I've been called back."
His eyes opened wide with fear. "What could be so wrong that they would call you back?" He looked at the diamond solitaire ring again, with more worry than I'd ever seen him display.
"I don't know..." I said shaking my head. "But I won't know until I return."
"The shop won't be the same without you, you know." He stood and put his arms around me. "The realm of the Elves will miss you dearly, but please make sure to return when you feel that the time is right. I'll need my jeweller, I'm sure." Tears brimmed in his eyes, "I've always looked on you as my child, and as much as I wish you to be safe, I know that you must go. Be safe, Milah." He handed me my repaired ring, "And make sure he's alright. Don't forget about him."
"I won't. Goodbye Mr. Ashwin. I'll be seeing you..."
I was set to leave, and yet a part of me still told me to stay. I had, after all, started a life here. I lived by myself in a small (but not too small) flat, and had two pet rabbits, and two pet cats. Professor Dumbledore didn't just pick me out of the sky because of a request. I knew that there were things that he wasn't telling me. Well, I have a week to get ready. I'm starting over. A brand new life in the world that I once loved.
*****(Later that evening)*****
Pulling out my old wand caused me to feel more than a little nostalgic. It seems like only yesterday that I was in Olivander's shop purchasing it. Mahogany, twelve and one half inches, great for transfiguration and defense against the dark arts. For many years, it had been an extension of my hand. It had helped me a great deal when I was on a mission with fellow Aurors. But it had also helped when I worked for another… Tears flowed down my cheeks as I looked at it.
It was still possible to see the scorch marks from when I had been hit by an elemental curse that set my entire left side on fire. They were slightly visible, as were the scars entwining my left arm. Most people didn't notice them, and they no longer bothered me. I thought that they added to my character. I wasn't amused when I got them though, because it was right before my wedding. The elemental curse also brought with it other, more debilitating, consequences... What was I thinking about? Dredging up past wounds would get me nowhere. In gathering the last little bit of my belongings, I walked outside where the Knight Bus was waiting.
*****(Time change)*****
I traveled to Diagon Alley two days before I needed to, so I could pick up all of my basic necessities. After all, I wasn't going to survive the entire year with just one robe! G-d, I haven't touched my Gringotts account in years. I don't even remember the balance. I know it is substantial because I was a highly paid Auror, among other things... It doesn't matter, I'm just buying what I need.
Madame Malkins' Robes for all occasions was my second stop. I spent hours picking out different styles of black robes. I also picked out two rather pricey, and warm, black cloaks. A young, well-meaning store clerk, who was helping me, asked why I only wore black. "Because I have a dark past, and I would prefer to go unnoticed. I have nothing, and no one to celebrate." I bitterly replied.
"But you're such a beautiful lady! You should at least pick out one colour."
I glared at her, and was a bit perturbed. Who is she to tell me how to dress? I decided on a dark green outfit with silver trim around the neck and sleeves. It was very dressy, and stylish. I haven't worn colours since my engagement, and I felt a bit odd. I bought them none-the-less.
After that odyssey, I purchased an owl, some quills, scrolls of parchment, and anything else that I could possibly need. I was so bogged down with packages, I didn't think that I could make it to my room!
I was ambling along quite well when all of a sudden, something solid hit me with such a force that it knocked me over. "Oh, my G-d, I'm so sorry. I didn't even see you! Miss? Are you okay? Miss?" Genuine concern flashed in her deep brown eyes. She began to stack up the packages when her friend, the one she was running after, came to help.
"I'm fine, thank you." I gave her a reassuring smile. "You should be careful, though. I'm fine; no need to make a fuss."
"Please, let us help you get your packages to your room." She pleaded with more than a hint of concern.
"No dear, that's not necessary. I should be going though." I held the remainder of my items, and crossed the street into the Leaky Cauldron.
"Come to cool your heels, Professor?" Asked the barkeep.
"I'll be down in a bit, but first I have to get these packages in my room"
"I'll have a hot meal and a butterbeer waiting for you!"
"Thanks Tom." I said as I trudged up the creaking stairs to my dark room.
I returned downstairs again to eat, and sat by the bartender. "What are your plans tomorrow, Professor Merverosa?"
"Hmm… Tomorrow I have to pack and rest because I catch the train the next morning."
"You're going by the Hogwarts Express? I thought that was only for students."
"Possibly so, but the circumstances were unexpected. It was the easiest way to get me there."
"Sounds like fun. Enjoy it. Hey, that is an interesting accent you have there Professor. Tell me, where are you from?" Just then a round of drinks was ordered, causing him to become quite busy. I was left alone to enjoy my dinner.
*~*~*~*~*~ (F/B) *~*~*~*~*~
I pushed my food around my plate. I did not usually play with my dinner; I only did it when I was upset, and boy was I mad. The Headmaster had just informed me that I would be transferred to a new school. "Durmstrang will miss you, my dear, but we feel that you are better suited to attend Hogwarts."
"But Headmaster, my English is not very good." I cried out, hoping for him to take notice.
"Surely it must be better than your German." He glided away without another word.
"It was like he was giving a weather report." I told a fellow housemate. "I couldn't believe what he said to me. I come from Italy, and had to learn enough German to get by. Now they want to send me to England? I don't know what to do!" I dropped my fork, knowing that I would not eat dinner tonight, rose from my seat, and stalked to the library.
*****(Present day)*****
"I hope that you're enjoying your meal." The barkeep said, frightening me out of my thoughts.
"Yes, everything is delicious, Tom." I said absentmindedly with a wave of my hand.
"Are you sure? You haven't really eaten."
"I guess that I'm not very hungry." I stood to leave. "Have a pleasant evening."
"You too, Professor. I'll have you up for eight tomorrow, as planned."
"Until eight o'clock then." I smiled, and left without another word.
King's Cross Station is an interesting place. It seemed unseasonably busy with people running this way, and that way. Some looking quite cross. I arrived several hours ahead of time, as I was instructed. I was scheduled to meet up with an old friend, who was to fill me in with all the details of my new job.
"Where is he?" I asked myself as I watched students begin to file onto Platform 9 ¾.
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A/N: What do you think? I'll never know
if you don't review... Check out a picture of Milah on the link at my author
page. Check out my Live Journal too!
Keep reviewing! I love it when people comment... Makes me feel all warm and
fuzzy inside! *winks*
~Milah