Chapter Two:

He allowed me a few minutes after I signed it to let it sink in before he gently slid the paper back into his drawer.

"We'll validate that first thing Monday morning."

I knew from that moment that I owed my entire future to this man; that I would be eternally in his debt.

I did not care – he had approved me.

And from him that was the highest compliment he could give.

He allowed a small smile to grace his features.

"Come."

I followed him to the fireplace the next room over.

"This is a specially equipped Floo network. It connects only this room and my home, therefore, no words are necessary."

He lit the fire with a flick of his wand and tossed some powder in to activate the magic.

"When you arrive, step away from the fireplace; but otherwise, stay put. I will arrive shortly – I do not want us to be disturbed."

I nodded and stepped in, spinning rapidly before being deposited sort of gracefully at his home. I brushed myself off and stood up straight after stepping to the side as I had been told.

When he arrived a short couple of minutes later, he still had that small smile gracing his features. This was very rare for him to be smiling for any length of time – let alone whole minutes.

Gently he took my shoulders and turned me around to look at the room I had arrived in.

I gasped, my eyes wide.

I was in a huge library, while it was not quite as large as Hogwarts' library, it was still enormous. I guessed that the number of books was the same – but there were only a few tables and living chairs, and no restricted section.

He turned me back a little more firmly, and said,

"You have graduated Hogwarts – you have full access to this library. If you need something translated, in the front of each book is the spell to make it readable. Invented it myself."

He looked slightly proud for a moment before returning to his usual countenance.

"I expect you to use the information you discover here responsibly."

I responded quietly,

"Yes, sir."

He looked me over for a few minutes, while I stayed quiet.

After circling me a second time, he nodded.

"Alright."

Without telling me what he was going to do, he whipped his wand out and muttered several charms in quick succession.

I felt a strange tingling all over my body, but it wasn't painful.

I did not question what he had done, trusting that he would tell me.

He looked at me again, circled twice more, and nodded again.

"Much better."

He conjured a full-length mirror and I was shocked at what I saw. It's not that it was bad – just unexpected.

I was taller, my hair had been shortened to just above chin length, turned deep brown. I glanced down at my hands – my fingers had become longer and thinner. I understood why, but it didn't bother me.

I sensed I was missing something. I glanced into the mirror again and realized what I had missed. My eyes. Where they were once pale blue, they were now a deep gray.

I turned to my mentor and nodded.

"Accio Potion528!" he cried out.

I was very surprised that he would simply summon a potion, but he explained as it whizzed in the room.

"Unbreakable charms, of course."

I nodded.

He snatched the bottle from midair, but did not uncork it.

"I want you to know before you drink this – it will make this new look permanent. It will allow your hair and fingernails to grow, and you will age as though you've always had these features. I'm sure you understand why this is necessary."

I nodded yet again. I had liked my old look but I could get used to this. I held out my hand, and he placed the bottle in it after uncorking it.

Quickly I swallowed it – my experience with potions telling me it would likely taste awful.

But to my surprise, it wasn't that bad. It tasted like a combination of vanilla and orange.

I felt a faint tingling again, but it faded quickly.

He led me over to a chair and sat down in the one opposite me.

"Have a seat. We have much to discuss."