Chapter 1
The sun burned with an unbridled ferocity, and the resulting July heat mixed with a heady humidity was blanketing the populace of Beijing in a smothering hold, this despite the early period of the day. Ancient buildings stood beside modern skyscrapers like some bizarre family, the tips of the tallest buildings obscured by the thick smog from the sea of chaotic traffic below. Streams of people lined the streets with the smell of cooking food from the markets wafting through the air. The only serenity in the ceaseless hubbub was the countrified park nestled in the ancient grounds, a sanctuary for those seeking refuge and solitude.
At the end of the Forbidden City was a beautiful, Imperial and ancient garden. It was small in size compared to the vast palace that loomed in its wake, but it offered a solace for those who wished to seek it. The were meandering pathways that were sheltered by many trees which at this time of year bloomed with cherry blossom, and Buddhist shrines were tucked away whose vivid colours emerged from the vast walls of jade foliage. It was early, before the hordes of tourists would descend on the gardens in search of somewhere to escape the unforgiving Asian heat. A lone figure sat on the edge of a small wooden bridge over a crystal clear tributary, her legs dangling over the precipice and her bare feet skimming the surface of the shimmering water.
Lexi McNaughton breathed in deeply, having found a Zen-like peace within herself since she first began her travels of the Far East almost eleven months ago. She had set off without any real aspirations of what she hoped to gain from travelling, only to free her mind from the shackles that had been placed around it. The experience had been an illuminating one; she had moved from her comfort zone and met people from different cultures, beliefs and walks of life. She had travelling with fellow witches and wizards, and at one point with a Muggle woman about the same age with whom she had spent a remarkable month exploring the exotic antiquities of Vietnam.
Now, here she sat contemplating her next move. She wasn't sure whether she should return to England, return to the life she had been so desperate to leave behind her. True, she felt more prepared for the trials that awaited her but the unchartered nature left her hesitant. She still wasn't sure what she wanted from life, or love for that matter, and if she cared to admit it she was slightly disappointed that she had not experienced some form of epiphany.
"Nǐ hǎo, Lexi!" A voice called to her.
She looked up to see her current travelling companion, Meihui Zhōu, who she had met on a rather long and nauseating train journey from Weihei, a small city in the Shandong Province of northeastern China. She was a Professor of Healing from the Wūshī Academy, the largest Wizarding School in the world and one with a formidable reputation. Meihui had told her that each student was required to have passed an entrance exam, the thought of her eleven year-old self passing an entrance exam was laughable.
"Morning Mei!" Lexi greeted. "How did you know I was here?"
"When I woke and saw you were not there, I spoke with the hostel owner." She explained, sitting cross-legged on the bridge next to Lexi. "He said you'd asked for directions to the Forbidden City, and I guessed you'd be here."
"I awoke abruptly with thoughts of returning home," Lexi sighed, twirling a strand of her long rosy hair between her fingers. "I thought the Imperial Gardens would be the best place to think things through."
"Have you made a decision?" Meihui asked.
"I am torn," She admitted, staring at her reflection in the iridescent waters. "On the one hand I feel ready to return, I feel ready to handle the situation I left behind and yet … on the other, I'm not sure I wish to give up the carefree lifestyle I have become accustomed to."
"Life is not without cares, Lexi." Meihui said wisely. "You will find that cares change, they do not go away."
"I know you are right, and I do miss my friends and family back home." Said Lexi, thinking of the last contact she'd had with her familiars in England before she'd left. "But goodness knows what mess I will walk back into. I didn't exactly leave unscathed."
"You are a stronger person now, Lexi. Even though I did not know you before, from what you've told me you'd be ready to handle anything." Meihui said encouragingly. "You've travelled, alone for the most part, in part of the world that has a completely different culture and language. That takes bravery, and is something which many people would not be able to do."
"You think so?" Lexi said, hopeful.
"I know so, my friend." Meihui spoke softly, tilting her head forwards so as to force Lexi's eyes to meet hers. "I am sure that you can resolve whatever it is that made you leave."
"Goodness, how I would give for my life to be simple!" Lexi groaned.
"Ha, I'm with you on that one!" Meihui chuckled. "But nothing worth doing is ever simple!"
"You're very wise for someone so young," Lexi smirked. "You should write a 'feel-good' phrase book!"
"All plagiarised from my grandmother, sadly." Meihui shrugged. "I'm starving! Come, there's a place near Er Jie that I've been dying to try out."
Lexi allowed Mei to pull her up by the wrist and drag her from the cherry blossom paradise and into the now bustling markets that surrounded the Imperial Gardens. She had spent almost three months journeying across China, and she would miss it dearly. All the acquaintances and companions she'd met along the way had been a lifeline, Meihui especially in whom she had found a lifelong friend. She would be sad to leave what had become her spiritual home behind, but she finally knew that now was the right time to return home.
That evening Lexi and Meihui returned to their small, but comfortable hostel on one of Beijing's quieter streets. A kindly elderly couple, for whom Lexi had great affection, ran it. Their kindheartedness had struck her from the moment she first spoke to them; they were one of the few genuine people in the world.
"Wǎnshàng hǎo, Mr Lài." Lexi greeted, using one of the few choice phrases she had picked up from her friends along the way.
Mr Lài smiled and nodded in her direction, and then something on his desk caught his eye and he waved for Lexi to come over. She bade Meihui goodnight and headed to the front desk that the owner stood behind. He handed her a faded brown envelope, Lexi took it curiously and read the front.
Miss Lexi McNaughton
Room Seven
Peking Youth Hostel
Beijing
China
Lexi exhaled forcefully, for she knew there was only one person capable of finding anyone in the world with such specificity. She thanked Mr Lài and headed up the narrow, creaking staircase to her room. It was a simple, wood-paneled room with a single bed underneath a small sash window and a washbasin next to a sliding wardrobe. She removed her shoes and sat on the edge of her bed.
She wondered how on earth Dumbledore managed to get a letter delivered to her here. Surely one of the schools owls hadn't delivered it, that would be an impossible feet. Still marveling at the Headmasters' apparently endless list of powers, she opened the envelope. The letter was surprisingly brief, but what it contained made her shiver.
Dear Miss McNaughton,
I hate to intrude on your travels, but I must ask for you to return to England as soon as possible. As I feared for some time, Lord Voldemort has returned. He will no doubt spend the coming weeks gathering strength through followers. I wish to unify the Order of the Phoenix once more, in anticipation of a second War.
We will meet on Saturday 31st July at the Black family home – I trust you know the locale – at 6pm. I realise the reason for your departure, but we need you.
I look forward to seeing you, despite the circumstances,
Albus
The parchment shook as Lexi shivered all over. While she had never been under the illusion that Voldemort was dead, she had convinced herself over the years that this day would never come. Her misgivings about returning home vanished in an instant, and she knew what was required of her.
She slid her wardrobe door open and pulled out a brown, leather suitcase. With a wave of her wand all of her belongings had crammed themselves in and the straps were fastened. She dashed from her room and knocked frantically on the room next door where Meihui was staying. A few seconds later her friends frowning face peered from behind the door, and opened it wider when she saw who it was.
"Lexi, what's wrong?" Meihui asked, her eyes and voice of concern.
"Something has happened back home and I need to leave right away." She said quickly. "I haven't got time to explain."
"Ok Lexi, but before you do please calm down," Meihui urged.
Lexi took a few steadying breaths. "I do not mean to leave so abruptly Mei, but this cannot wait." She said.
"You do what you have to do, Lexi." Calmed Meihui.
"I will owl you as soon as I can," Lexi said, tears pooling in her eyes and she hugged her friend tightly. "I may have known you only a short time, but I have come to regard you as a good friend."
"As I regard you," Meihui reflected Lexi's sentiments. "Good luck, Lexi. I am sure you will find you way in the world, whatever happens."
"Thank you," Lexi said gratefully, letting go of her friend. "Zàijiàn, Mei."
"Zàijiàn, Lexi."
The door closed with a snap, and Lexi headed despondently back to her room. She collected her suitcase and pulled her wand from the pocket of her jacket. She took a deep, calming breath and pointed her wand at her temple. Envisioning her childhood home, she disappeared with a crack. Dust rose and settled in the spot where she vanished, as Lexi left her untroubled voyages behind her.
Hello everyone! I am hoping to upload chapters to this story once or twice a week. Please let me know what you think!
Nǐ hǎo – Hi
Wǎnshàng hǎo – Good evening
Zàijiàn – Goodbye
