Do not expect updates this quickly. I just happen to have gotten a good start.
2 reviews. Well... It's better than nothing. If anybody read this before and some things in this chapter don't make sense, go back to the Prologue.
Jezrana- I am working on it as we speak.
maguena1- I am trying to explain things over a length of time. Personally, in my opinion, things shouldn't happen too quickly. Emotional overload. Keep me informed on how I do.
Since I personally know how nobody likes reading these things I'll keep it short.
Disclaimer- Need I tell you?
Chapter One-Letter
One week later
"Shay!"
"Yeah!"
"Ya got mail!"
A dark head appeared from behind the counter, hair tied back in a messy ponytail.
"Who the hell would give me mail?" she asked, wiping her hands on the towel thrown over her bare shoulder.
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Good joke, Big D."
"I ain't jokin', girl. That's what the envelope says."
Dave handed her the letter, one eye still suspiciously on it.
"Well, what the fuck?"
"Don't ask me. Just open the damn thing."
She knew she could do something resembling magic, but witchcraft. Ha! With a skeptical eye, Shawna did as told, gently tearing apart the wax seal in an elaborate H. Who the hell uses wax seals?
Carefully she unfolded the letter.
Dear Ms. Snape,
This may come as a shock to you, but you are indeed a witch. You may have noticed your ability to do small magic, and with proper training you can do so much more.
You have kept yourself well hidden, hence our inability to find you sooner. Your father, Professor Severus Snape, will come to bring you here should you agree.
I feel I must warn you about your father. You were kidnaped as a babe and it was believed you had died when all our searches turned up empty. So you must forgive him if he seems out of sorts. You were his light. You and your mother. At times I thought she, then later you, were the only things that kept him sane; and with your mother gone you are all he has left. Perhaps you can rip apart the walls he has erected over the years.
Feel free to pack everything you want. We here at Hogwarts look forward to your presence.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore
P.S. More will be explained upon your arrival. Send your reply with the owl.
Shawna read it again and again. Hope, doubt, joy, and disbelief all fighting inside her for dominance. Was it a joke? Just some sick game from pranksters at school? Or was it real? It sounded sincere enough, but with teenagers you never could be too sure.
David stood still, watching as she lost herself in her thoughts. What was in that letter to throw her off balance so much? She was always so focused, in control, but now...
Silently she handed him the letter, her eyes wide in shock, and waited for him to read it himself.
"Do you believe it?" Her normally strong voice was shaky. "Do you think it's telling the truth."
"I don't know what to believe, Shay. I really don't." What could he say?
The stunned girl walked around the counter and took a seat in the stool next to the ex-boxer. After a few minutes of silence from both parties she pulled a pen and notepad from her apron pocket.
"Whatcha doin', girl?"
"What's it look like? I'm writing a reply."
"So you believe it?"
"I don't know what to believe. If it's a prank. I'm beatin' the shit outta whoever screwed with my head. But if it's not... How can I pass it up?"
Bright green eyes turned to him then, secretly pleading with him to understand. He did. If she didn't do this it would haunt her for eternity with 'What ifs.'
Dear Mr. Dumbledore,
To tell you the truth, I'm not entirely sure if this whole thing is as it seems. However, I am willing to give it a try.
Today's date is May 20th and in one week school is out. I will wait at this address exactly one week and a day from now.
Sincerely, Shawna Snape
P.S. If this is a joke you'd better pray to whatever gods you know that I don't find you, or I will see to it personally that you regret it.
She tore the paper from the pad and set it on the counter before her.
'Father? He's coming?'
The girl shook her head while closing her eyes.
'Don't get too excited,' she told herself harshly. 'It could still be a joke.'
Dave carefully watched the young woman sitting next to him. While she was open enough any deeper feelings she kept hidden, never sharing. No matter what he did she wouldn't talk about her life before he met her or how she felt. There were times when he was so sure she would finally break under the pressure, but she would hide again, surprising him.
So... her father was coming to get her, if this letter was to be believed. Maybe he would know just how to handle the girl because he sure as hell didn't. He wondered at his lack of suprise. Witchcraft? Wizard? Then again, he had seen the girl do unexplainable things. Why couldn't it be magic?
A soft punch on his arm brought his attention away from his thoughts. He looked down to find jade eyes gazing at him in confusion.
"What owl?"
Sudden hooting alerted them to the rather large barn owl that was currently resting on the open window sill.
Turning back towards the girl, his expression blank, he jerked a thumb at the brown bird.
"Just a wild guess, but I'm thinkin' that one."
Shawna's brain was in shock as she absently strolled to the animal, letter in hand.
"What do I do with it?" she questioned, scratching the owl's feathered head. "I don't think it'll appreciate it if I taped it to it's tail feathers."
"Actually, I think it'll love it," he said, his tone sarcastic.
"So what the fuck do I do then, jackass?!" she snapped, startling the bird.
"Watch that temper, girl," the man warned good naturally.
Suddenly a stray thought drifted to the surface of his mind.
'I wonder if it's genetic?'
Shawna huffed and proceeded to whisper soothingly to the animal while continuing her petting.
"Seriously? Put it in it's mouth."
"Beak," she corrected absentmindedly. She straightened herself and turned his way. She held up the letter, breaking out of her revere, irritation flashing. "And how the hell do you expect me to do that? Open sesame?"
Before she could continue her tirade the bird snatched the letter from her long, slender fingers and hopped out the window.
"Or it could just do that," David dead panned, shaking his dirty blonde head at the girl who stood by the window in the same pose.
"Well what the hell?!"
Shay blinked, slowing turning her head she barely caught a glimpse of brown before it disappeared in the labyrinth of buildings. The night brightened by their light. She lowered her arm and collapsed into a nearby booth.
Her usually relaxed yet confident posture faded away and was replaced by the weariness and sorrow she tried so hard to hide from the world. So tired she seemed to David's eyes.
Finally, he sighed.
"Why don't you go upstairs to bed. I'll finish closing up."
She nodded silently and trekked up the stairs to the apartment above. Slowly, almost methodically, she prepared for bed in the sole bedroom. She climbed under the covers and stared at the glowing stars dotting the ceiling and walls.
Over the past year she had come into more possessions than ever before. Big D, Lucy, and the other employees adopted her as a whole and each did their best to spoil her, which often wasn't that much. Nevertheless, with them, her checks, and tips she could almost be at the level of worldly possessions of other girls her age. However, most of her money went to a savings account for college.
Did her family have money? What was her father like? Did he have black hair like hers, or green eyes that were too pale to be considered normal? Or did she inherit those features from her mother? What if he was a beach ball, or maybe a stick figure? Did it really matter? Not as long as he loved her, it didn't. How would he act when he saw her? She read before that the person saw the spouse in the child. Was it true? Would it hurt to see his dead wife in her?
Wife.... Mother....
Shawna was astonished at the amount of pain that knowledge conjured. She never knew the woman, yet she loved her.
'Maybe I'll ask my father about her.'
That thought immediately led to a train of others.
'What if he doesn't want to talk about her? What if he's like me and emotions? Ah, hell. We're gonna hafta find some way to communicate.'
She finally fell asleep thinking of the life that could now be hers.
The following morning Shay woke around noon. With a yelp she jumped out of bed and dashed into the bathroom. After a quick shower she dressed and ran downstairs. Giving Big D a glare she pulled her wet hair back and pulled on an apron.
"Why didn't you wake me up?!" she hollered at him as she stared to make her rounds.
"Figured you could use the sleep," he answered with a casual shrug of his broad shoulders while pouring tea for a man who looked to be in his mid 20's. "I had ya covered."
Getting coffee for a young couple she passed the man drinking tea and could feel his brown eyes watching her. Thankfully, she was distracted by the two blonde children who run up to her, clutching her apron in the small hands.
"Magic, Shay!" the little boy shouted excitedly. "Do magic!"
His sister turned big blue eyes towards her. "Please?"
She laughed softly and moved them back to the booth with their smiling parents.
"Okay, you two. You see those cups over there?"
They nodded as she motioned to the steaming hot mugs of hot chocolate sitting across the room on the counter.
She smiled and closed her eyes, looking inside of herself for that warm, bright light. In her mind she envisioned what she wanted.
"Objects wanted that lie still there, heed my call and come right here."
Simultaneous squeals of delight informed her that all went well. Opening her eyes, Shay was greeted by the sight of two children happily sipping their drinks.
"It's amazing how you handle them, Shawna."
Shay faced the woman who addressed her. Joan and her husband, along with their kids, were regulars and she had known them for as long as she worked there.
"Wish I knew how you do that," Bill added, laughing. "Might help us keep 'em under control, ya now."
'You and me both,' she sighed inwardly. Outwardly she laughed along with him.
"That's a secret. By the way, it's on the house."
"Thank you, Shawna," Bill smiled at her. "What do ya say kids?"
"Thank you, Shay!"
"You are very welcome."
"If you don't mind me saying, you seem a bit... off today."
Shawna pulled a chair up to the booth and sat, facing Joan.
"I got a letter yesterday. My father's coming to get me." She left out magic and Hogwarts. There's only so much some people can take.
The two adults looked on in shock while the children continued to remain unaware and she continued.
"Apparently, I was kidnaped and they all thought I was dead until recently. I'm still not sure how they found me."
"Well this is good news," Joan exclaimed, her husband nodding beside her. "What about your mother?"
Shay's face fell.
"She's dead."
Both offered their apologies but she shook her head.
"What's there to apologize about? It wasn't your fault."
"When are you leaving?" Bill asked, wisely changing the subject.
"A week."
"You're leaving?"
She looked down at the two wide-eyed blondes and nodded.
"But why?"
Tina looked ready to cry and Jake didn't look too much better.
Shay thought quick. What could she say that these too innocent children could understand and accept?
"I'm gonna go live with my Papa."
They looked towards their own father then back at her, nodding their small heads as if in approval.
"I guess it's okay then," Jake commented.
"Well it's good to have your blessing."
Tina grabbed her hand and looked up, pleading. "You'll come and visit, right?"
"I promise."
The rest of the day went smoothly after that. As did the next day and the next. Shay found herself feeling both thrilled and terrified. She welcomed and dreaded each new day. Then finally... it was time.
She had packed all of her clothes and most of her belongings. After all the letter did say to pack everything she wanted. Besides that, they were supposed to be wizards surely they could do something.
Big D threw a party for her along with the other employees. The gifts she received she kept on her person, in her school book bag. She thanked each and everyone of them for all they did for her the past year and promised she would write. In truth, it did hurt to leave them.
It was Saturday the 28th and nearly noon and still no one came. Shawna sat at the counter, twirling on her stool as she read a book Lucy gave her. She had been up most of the night and the coming of the new day still did not see any fatigue on her part. Vaguely, in the back of her mind, she heard the doorbells. Thinking it another customer she ignored it until she saw Big D's shocked, and yet, accepting face.
Her heart pounded faster. The beats ringing in her ears. Steeling herself she took a deep breath and turned around.
-------------------------
Cliffy! HA!
Are you people gonna review this time? Or do I have to beg?
Anyway, a question. What's the time difference between New York and England?
Not too sure about the next update. Try again in about a month.
BYE!
2 reviews. Well... It's better than nothing. If anybody read this before and some things in this chapter don't make sense, go back to the Prologue.
Jezrana- I am working on it as we speak.
maguena1- I am trying to explain things over a length of time. Personally, in my opinion, things shouldn't happen too quickly. Emotional overload. Keep me informed on how I do.
Since I personally know how nobody likes reading these things I'll keep it short.
Disclaimer- Need I tell you?
Chapter One-Letter
One week later
"Shay!"
"Yeah!"
"Ya got mail!"
A dark head appeared from behind the counter, hair tied back in a messy ponytail.
"Who the hell would give me mail?" she asked, wiping her hands on the towel thrown over her bare shoulder.
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Good joke, Big D."
"I ain't jokin', girl. That's what the envelope says."
Dave handed her the letter, one eye still suspiciously on it.
"Well, what the fuck?"
"Don't ask me. Just open the damn thing."
She knew she could do something resembling magic, but witchcraft. Ha! With a skeptical eye, Shawna did as told, gently tearing apart the wax seal in an elaborate H. Who the hell uses wax seals?
Carefully she unfolded the letter.
Dear Ms. Snape,
This may come as a shock to you, but you are indeed a witch. You may have noticed your ability to do small magic, and with proper training you can do so much more.
You have kept yourself well hidden, hence our inability to find you sooner. Your father, Professor Severus Snape, will come to bring you here should you agree.
I feel I must warn you about your father. You were kidnaped as a babe and it was believed you had died when all our searches turned up empty. So you must forgive him if he seems out of sorts. You were his light. You and your mother. At times I thought she, then later you, were the only things that kept him sane; and with your mother gone you are all he has left. Perhaps you can rip apart the walls he has erected over the years.
Feel free to pack everything you want. We here at Hogwarts look forward to your presence.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore
P.S. More will be explained upon your arrival. Send your reply with the owl.
Shawna read it again and again. Hope, doubt, joy, and disbelief all fighting inside her for dominance. Was it a joke? Just some sick game from pranksters at school? Or was it real? It sounded sincere enough, but with teenagers you never could be too sure.
David stood still, watching as she lost herself in her thoughts. What was in that letter to throw her off balance so much? She was always so focused, in control, but now...
Silently she handed him the letter, her eyes wide in shock, and waited for him to read it himself.
"Do you believe it?" Her normally strong voice was shaky. "Do you think it's telling the truth."
"I don't know what to believe, Shay. I really don't." What could he say?
The stunned girl walked around the counter and took a seat in the stool next to the ex-boxer. After a few minutes of silence from both parties she pulled a pen and notepad from her apron pocket.
"Whatcha doin', girl?"
"What's it look like? I'm writing a reply."
"So you believe it?"
"I don't know what to believe. If it's a prank. I'm beatin' the shit outta whoever screwed with my head. But if it's not... How can I pass it up?"
Bright green eyes turned to him then, secretly pleading with him to understand. He did. If she didn't do this it would haunt her for eternity with 'What ifs.'
Dear Mr. Dumbledore,
To tell you the truth, I'm not entirely sure if this whole thing is as it seems. However, I am willing to give it a try.
Today's date is May 20th and in one week school is out. I will wait at this address exactly one week and a day from now.
Sincerely, Shawna Snape
P.S. If this is a joke you'd better pray to whatever gods you know that I don't find you, or I will see to it personally that you regret it.
She tore the paper from the pad and set it on the counter before her.
'Father? He's coming?'
The girl shook her head while closing her eyes.
'Don't get too excited,' she told herself harshly. 'It could still be a joke.'
Dave carefully watched the young woman sitting next to him. While she was open enough any deeper feelings she kept hidden, never sharing. No matter what he did she wouldn't talk about her life before he met her or how she felt. There were times when he was so sure she would finally break under the pressure, but she would hide again, surprising him.
So... her father was coming to get her, if this letter was to be believed. Maybe he would know just how to handle the girl because he sure as hell didn't. He wondered at his lack of suprise. Witchcraft? Wizard? Then again, he had seen the girl do unexplainable things. Why couldn't it be magic?
A soft punch on his arm brought his attention away from his thoughts. He looked down to find jade eyes gazing at him in confusion.
"What owl?"
Sudden hooting alerted them to the rather large barn owl that was currently resting on the open window sill.
Turning back towards the girl, his expression blank, he jerked a thumb at the brown bird.
"Just a wild guess, but I'm thinkin' that one."
Shawna's brain was in shock as she absently strolled to the animal, letter in hand.
"What do I do with it?" she questioned, scratching the owl's feathered head. "I don't think it'll appreciate it if I taped it to it's tail feathers."
"Actually, I think it'll love it," he said, his tone sarcastic.
"So what the fuck do I do then, jackass?!" she snapped, startling the bird.
"Watch that temper, girl," the man warned good naturally.
Suddenly a stray thought drifted to the surface of his mind.
'I wonder if it's genetic?'
Shawna huffed and proceeded to whisper soothingly to the animal while continuing her petting.
"Seriously? Put it in it's mouth."
"Beak," she corrected absentmindedly. She straightened herself and turned his way. She held up the letter, breaking out of her revere, irritation flashing. "And how the hell do you expect me to do that? Open sesame?"
Before she could continue her tirade the bird snatched the letter from her long, slender fingers and hopped out the window.
"Or it could just do that," David dead panned, shaking his dirty blonde head at the girl who stood by the window in the same pose.
"Well what the hell?!"
Shay blinked, slowing turning her head she barely caught a glimpse of brown before it disappeared in the labyrinth of buildings. The night brightened by their light. She lowered her arm and collapsed into a nearby booth.
Her usually relaxed yet confident posture faded away and was replaced by the weariness and sorrow she tried so hard to hide from the world. So tired she seemed to David's eyes.
Finally, he sighed.
"Why don't you go upstairs to bed. I'll finish closing up."
She nodded silently and trekked up the stairs to the apartment above. Slowly, almost methodically, she prepared for bed in the sole bedroom. She climbed under the covers and stared at the glowing stars dotting the ceiling and walls.
Over the past year she had come into more possessions than ever before. Big D, Lucy, and the other employees adopted her as a whole and each did their best to spoil her, which often wasn't that much. Nevertheless, with them, her checks, and tips she could almost be at the level of worldly possessions of other girls her age. However, most of her money went to a savings account for college.
Did her family have money? What was her father like? Did he have black hair like hers, or green eyes that were too pale to be considered normal? Or did she inherit those features from her mother? What if he was a beach ball, or maybe a stick figure? Did it really matter? Not as long as he loved her, it didn't. How would he act when he saw her? She read before that the person saw the spouse in the child. Was it true? Would it hurt to see his dead wife in her?
Wife.... Mother....
Shawna was astonished at the amount of pain that knowledge conjured. She never knew the woman, yet she loved her.
'Maybe I'll ask my father about her.'
That thought immediately led to a train of others.
'What if he doesn't want to talk about her? What if he's like me and emotions? Ah, hell. We're gonna hafta find some way to communicate.'
She finally fell asleep thinking of the life that could now be hers.
The following morning Shay woke around noon. With a yelp she jumped out of bed and dashed into the bathroom. After a quick shower she dressed and ran downstairs. Giving Big D a glare she pulled her wet hair back and pulled on an apron.
"Why didn't you wake me up?!" she hollered at him as she stared to make her rounds.
"Figured you could use the sleep," he answered with a casual shrug of his broad shoulders while pouring tea for a man who looked to be in his mid 20's. "I had ya covered."
Getting coffee for a young couple she passed the man drinking tea and could feel his brown eyes watching her. Thankfully, she was distracted by the two blonde children who run up to her, clutching her apron in the small hands.
"Magic, Shay!" the little boy shouted excitedly. "Do magic!"
His sister turned big blue eyes towards her. "Please?"
She laughed softly and moved them back to the booth with their smiling parents.
"Okay, you two. You see those cups over there?"
They nodded as she motioned to the steaming hot mugs of hot chocolate sitting across the room on the counter.
She smiled and closed her eyes, looking inside of herself for that warm, bright light. In her mind she envisioned what she wanted.
"Objects wanted that lie still there, heed my call and come right here."
Simultaneous squeals of delight informed her that all went well. Opening her eyes, Shay was greeted by the sight of two children happily sipping their drinks.
"It's amazing how you handle them, Shawna."
Shay faced the woman who addressed her. Joan and her husband, along with their kids, were regulars and she had known them for as long as she worked there.
"Wish I knew how you do that," Bill added, laughing. "Might help us keep 'em under control, ya now."
'You and me both,' she sighed inwardly. Outwardly she laughed along with him.
"That's a secret. By the way, it's on the house."
"Thank you, Shawna," Bill smiled at her. "What do ya say kids?"
"Thank you, Shay!"
"You are very welcome."
"If you don't mind me saying, you seem a bit... off today."
Shawna pulled a chair up to the booth and sat, facing Joan.
"I got a letter yesterday. My father's coming to get me." She left out magic and Hogwarts. There's only so much some people can take.
The two adults looked on in shock while the children continued to remain unaware and she continued.
"Apparently, I was kidnaped and they all thought I was dead until recently. I'm still not sure how they found me."
"Well this is good news," Joan exclaimed, her husband nodding beside her. "What about your mother?"
Shay's face fell.
"She's dead."
Both offered their apologies but she shook her head.
"What's there to apologize about? It wasn't your fault."
"When are you leaving?" Bill asked, wisely changing the subject.
"A week."
"You're leaving?"
She looked down at the two wide-eyed blondes and nodded.
"But why?"
Tina looked ready to cry and Jake didn't look too much better.
Shay thought quick. What could she say that these too innocent children could understand and accept?
"I'm gonna go live with my Papa."
They looked towards their own father then back at her, nodding their small heads as if in approval.
"I guess it's okay then," Jake commented.
"Well it's good to have your blessing."
Tina grabbed her hand and looked up, pleading. "You'll come and visit, right?"
"I promise."
The rest of the day went smoothly after that. As did the next day and the next. Shay found herself feeling both thrilled and terrified. She welcomed and dreaded each new day. Then finally... it was time.
She had packed all of her clothes and most of her belongings. After all the letter did say to pack everything she wanted. Besides that, they were supposed to be wizards surely they could do something.
Big D threw a party for her along with the other employees. The gifts she received she kept on her person, in her school book bag. She thanked each and everyone of them for all they did for her the past year and promised she would write. In truth, it did hurt to leave them.
It was Saturday the 28th and nearly noon and still no one came. Shawna sat at the counter, twirling on her stool as she read a book Lucy gave her. She had been up most of the night and the coming of the new day still did not see any fatigue on her part. Vaguely, in the back of her mind, she heard the doorbells. Thinking it another customer she ignored it until she saw Big D's shocked, and yet, accepting face.
Her heart pounded faster. The beats ringing in her ears. Steeling herself she took a deep breath and turned around.
-------------------------
Cliffy! HA!
Are you people gonna review this time? Or do I have to beg?
Anyway, a question. What's the time difference between New York and England?
Not too sure about the next update. Try again in about a month.
BYE!