If pigs could fly naturally without magic, he would be handing his best friend Antonin Dolohov fifteen galleons right about now. Antonin warned that there was going to be an emotional storm brewing for a few weeks. Whatever the hell that meant.

"Come on mate. Let's go have some fun. You've been hell bent over this assignment for weeks now," Antonin insisted. How could Thorfinn Rowle deny a good time? His best mate wasn't wrong. A dark aura was looming around Britain's Wizarding World and for fucksake the auror department couldn't figure it out.

"Yeah you're right. Where should we venture to? Muggle London? The Leaky? Party at the flat?" Thorfinn responded not once looking up from his file. Not a bit interested in any of it.

"I mean we haven't been to the Leaky in a while. It would be nice to feel the presence of other magical folk," He winked, waving his wand. Forcefully closing any file Thorfinn was reviewing.

"Alright. Let's go." He knew he had no option at this point. The big blonde auror grabbed his briefcase and headed out the door with his devilish friend.

Life was not like how he would've imagined it twelve years ago. Twelve years ago, Thorfinn Rowle was negotiating a contract with one of the best Quidditch teams in the league. He was going to graduate Hogwarts, play Quidditch, add to the family vault and retire semi-young. Twelve years ago he was embracing his favorite witch one last time on the beaches of St Tropez. That night haunted him more than any mission he was forced to go on for the Dark Lord. The memory of her piercing hazel eyes and dark brown hair is what kept him sane during his stint in Azkaban. Man did he miss her. The curves she held hit in all the right places would make any other witch have a run for their own galleons. She was his junior, only a year younger than him. Aria Yang. Yes Yang. The notable only daughter of the Yang Empire. Though running in the circles of the Malfoy and Nott boys, Aria was always in his life up until now. Having met when they were mere toddlers, Thorfinn Rowle never allowed himself to view her more than a friend. The friendship they had could rival that of Antonin's friendship and they were inseparable. It wasn't until the Yule Ball that he took notice of how much she blossomed. His date was none other than a witch from Beauxbatons. Her name? He couldn't remember. However he did remember his instant shock when he saw Aria walk down from the dorms to the common room. She walked down the steps gleefully wearing a deep navy blue off shoulder fitted full length dress. He couldn't get over how she daringly had a slit on one side of her dress, showing off her long legs. Of course her date was Theodore Nott Jr. He wasn't surprised. If Thorfinn wasn't around, Theo was always there. Even now he is always around.

Antonin Dolohov managed to get his grumpy friend to The Leaky for some drinks. It was a miracle to be honest. It was Friday. He knew Thorfinn had been quite the prissy prude ever since his release and auror training. Antonin wasn't sure if their stint in Azkaban or the loss of a certain female companion was the reason for his friend to keep an extremely clean record. Friday nights for Thorfinn meant one of two things, chicken tikka masala takeaway or dinner with his father. He often picked the first option, added a pint of beer and the next morning Ant always found Thorfinn in the bathroom full of regrets.

"Well, cheers to a successful week of not getting killed or reprimanded by Potter," He raised his glass. "Cheers mate," the glasses clinked. The dark haired wizard could tell his friend was out of his element. Who would've thought the blonde haired confident wizard he grew up with would've turned into an unbearable introvert.

The Leaky was definitely busier than usual tonight, Antonin observed. It was the last Friday before students were to depart for the new term. Parents were either ordering takeaway or waiting for any available tables to open up.

"You know Gwendolyn is coming into town tonight," Thorfinn smiled, looking at his almost empty glass.

"Oh. My apologies mate. Didn't mean to keep you from the family. How is she doing?"

Thorfinn laughed, "Quite bonkers actually. She is ready for Milo to leave for Hogwarts." He chuckled in response, "Don't hold back mate. You always have some funny story about Milo."

Gaining a sign from the blonde wizard, "Jeremy keeps insisting to send Milo to Durmstrang. You know, especially after the war. He doesn't want Milo to be exposed to the history of the war. Gwennie knows damn well the kids there will eat him alive."

"Lord for a muggle he shows more pure blood qualities than his wife," rolling his eyes. Thorfinn nodded in agreement. "Really? To avoid Dark Magic, he thinks sending his Milo to the one school who has no problem teaching it?" He scoffed.

"You're not wrong Ant. Well, they are arriving tonight. Since the train leaves first thing Monday, with typical Gwennie style, they will be in Diagon Alley first thing tomorrow last minute shopping. Then spend the rest of the weekend with Father," Thorfinn rolled his eyes. The last thing Thorfinn wanted to do was spend more than one hour in his father's presence.

"Can't be that bad. Thaddeus could try to set you up on another blind date or yell at you about settling down," Antonin shrugged.

"It was one night!" Thorfinn boomed, gaining a laugh from his best friend. "How was I supposed to know that the press was going to be at that muggle club?"

"You drank yourself into oblivion that night mate. Yeah, you got into Kingsley and Potter's good graces. Yeah, you became an auror. Didn't mean you needed to get pissed that night and fuck a muggle in public. Almost got fired before you even started your first shift," He chuckled. Glaring at the dark hair wizard, "Like I said, it was all Malfoy and Nott. I just accepted the invite. Who would've thought those two could drink that much right out of prison?"

"First mistake mate, never accept a party invite from Draco without the expectation of getting pissed drunk. I'll go get us refills," He smiled heading towards the bar. Throfinn just sulked.

Antonin knew that night was a big blow for Thorfinn and the Rowle family. Having just completed and passed the Auror training Program, the public's opinion of the Rowle family was beginning to turn around. Patriarch Thaddeus Rowle had just got out of Azkaban and was on probation. Voluntarily Thaddeus donated a secretively substantial amount of galleons to the rebuilding of Hogwarts. With the permission from the Wizengamont, Thaddeus was allowed on Hogwarts grounds to physically help rebuild the castle as long as he was accompanied by two aurors. The old man would never admit to it, but he knew that decisions he made for Thorfinn and Gwennie nearly cost them their lives. All the years he's known Thaddeus that night at the cafe when Thorfinn failed to capture the Golden Trio, he'd never see the grown man cry. The Dark Lord didn't just punish Thorfinn that night. He had tortured Gwen too.

"Hey Hannah, two more pints?" He smiled at the blonde bartender. "Sure thing Ant! Want to leave the tab open or close it?" She asked, pouring their pints. "Just transfer Finn's tab to mine. We will probably have one more after this and probably leave." He answered. She just nodded sliding over the two pints, "No worries. I'll keep an eye out and send another round over when you guys are finished."

"Thank you," He was trying to find a way back to their table. He didn't realize how much more packed the Leaky could get.

"Oi Hannah! Order number 150 is ready," He heard one of the kitchen staff plop a paper bag next to Hannah's bar station. Watching her graciously roll her eyes at the kitchen staff, she dutifully checked to make sure that none of the food spilled out. He smirked. He always liked Hannah's presence. She was no nonsense and upfront. She was the first to accept Finn and him back into society. Did she like him back? Only as a friend, but that was okay for him. He needed more friends.

As he was watching Hannah move behind the bar, he didn't realize another person had found their way next him. It was odd. They still kept their hood up and everyone pretty much had their hoods down.

"Here you go miss," Hannah handed the hooded person the bag. "Thank you Hannah, just charge it to my room," The voice sounded familiar. Quite feminine, so a witch. Antoin was just stalling at this point. He looked over his shoulder towards Thorfinn. Miraculously his friend looked like he was having an intense conversation with none other than Pansy Parkinson.

"Will do! Thank you and we will send the maid up too first thing in the morning," Hannah smiled. The hood figure quickly grabbed the bag and headed for the flight of stairs. All that training as a Death Eater paid off, a sparkle on the 's wrist caught his attention. The bracelet looked familiar. The witch was at the stairs leading to the inn, when it finally dawned on him.

"Hannah, send these to Finn. I'll be right back," His long legs started for the stairs. Before she could protest, he was already at the stairs making way to the rooms.

"Fuck, Kings is going to kill me," Hannah muttered taking the beers to Thorfinn's table.

"Ah! Hannah! About time," Pansy smiled.

"Ant, wanted me to send these over to you guys. He stepped out for a spot of air," Hannah smiled nervously. Of course Thorfinn saw right through her, "Did he go out for a smoke?" Antonin quit smoking three months ago, everyone knew that.

Absent-mindedly she nodded and realized she told on herself. "Hannah, you know he quit three months ago," His eyebrow arched. Parkinson was so curious she actually drank the beer. Pansy doesn't drink beer. Wine, yes. Vodka, yes. Beer? No.

"Alright! He followed a witch upstairs," Hannah nudged her head towards the inn stairs and walked off.

Pansy shook her head and let out a whistle, "That dog." Thorfinn just smirked, of course Antonin.

"Morgana's tits. I forgot he's got long legs," The witch muttered to herself. She quickly turned left and then right down the long corridor. Only a few more doors down till she gets to her room. She was practically sprinting, gripping tightly to her food.

"Hey! Wait up! I just want to talk," She ignored Antonin's shouting.

"Urgh, Uhm no thank you," She tried to deepen her voice. Trying to sound like a wizard.

"Nice try sweetheart. I just want to make sure you're not someone I lost."

She started to tear up as she turned another corner. Her heart ached. She knew what he meant. Closing in on her room. Reaching for the door knob, she successfully launched herself into her suite and slammed the door shut. Thankfully the room had been pre-warded by the ministry. She wouldn't have enough time to grab her wand and ward it herself.

Following a loud thud, she heard the wizard curse. "Fucking hell. That's a strong protection ward." Her little tears turned to a straight up silent sob. He pounded on the door once more, "Oh come on, I won't bite." Fucking hell Ant, you sound like a creep. She counted to thirty as she placed her food on the small table near the fireplace. She knew she could not hide out forever. Tomorrow she was going to have to go to Gringotts to reactivate her late Father's vault. Antonin was going to find out eventually, he was a curse breaker for the bank.

Hand on the door knob, she slowly turned it. Kingsley was going to fucking kill her, but that is okay the DMLE also needed her alive. With one last huff, she yanked the door open. Her eyes could barely meet his. Never in her life did she feel this little to a long time friend. She felt his gaze.

After a painful silent thirty seconds, she looked up and she was right. He looked pissed. Arms crossed and a scowl on his face, "YingYang, WHAT THE FUCK." She jumped back a bit. With a swift movement of her wand, she adjusted the ward to letting him in.

"Antonin, it's a pleasure to run into you-," She started. With a swift turn of the heel, he faced her. Okay his eyes are red now. She felt like passing out.

"Aria Yang, you better-" She sighed and headed towards the little table. Alright he was going to start. Might as well eat something while he literally rips her head off.

"Aria Yang, you better have a grand explanation as to why you've been missing for the past nine years," He practically started yelling not even noticing she sat herself at the table and began to eat.

"You didn't owl us like you promised. Your Father's estate was emptied when we went to go check on you after our release. For fuck's sake even Draco and Nott didn't know where you were. Sent them into a tizzy. They practically stormed the minister's office when the letters kept getting returned. Did you run? Thorfinn has pretty much been a mute when he realized that you weren't ever going to write him back. Where the fuck did you go?!" Steam was practically blowing out his ears. She didn't look up from her food, but kept eating.

"Are you finished shouting?" She took a swig from her water bottle. Antonin let a few more puffs of air and nodded.

"Okay. Sit and I'll explain everything," She pointed at the chair opposite her. Like a silly little angry puppy he obliged. Antonin kept his eyes on her as she got up and grabbed two glasses and a bottle of Ogden's Finest Whiskey. She stayed silent as she poured a hefty amount of alcohol into both cups.

Placing one of the cups in front of him she started, "First of all you're going to need this." She lifted her own glass. He was not amused.

"Secondly, I want to apologize Tonni. I am very sorry," Her eyes started to swell. Okay now he felt bad. He knew deep down Aria Yang wouldn't cry like this.

"I didn't run away after the trials. After the Wizengamont finalized yours and Finn's sentencing, I was summoned to America. Mother wrote to me and asked me to come visit her. She was feeling ill," Aria took a sip from her glass. The wizard just nodded, taking a sip.

"As you know, I technically have identity papers for both the muggle world and the wizarding world. Also carry dual American muggle citizenship. Something my father was responsible for," She signed. "Well when I got the clearance to travel again after getting acquitted by the Wizengamont, I went to see Mother as she requested," She continued.

"On with it, the suspense is literally killing me."

Aria rolled her eyes. Patience was never a trait that Antonin learned.

"Mother lured me back over the pond, so she can put me into a muggle conservatorship." She started to sob.

His eyebrows quivered. He didn't truly know what Muggle Conservatorships consisted of but he had heard of them.

"What is a Muggle Conservatorship Aria?" He questioned.

"It is like being under constant surveillance without any control of your life choices. When Mother learned that I had participated in the war, she had enough," She hiccuped. "Actually she didn't have enough. She was flat broke. She knew with father's death at the hands of the Dark Lord, the alimony checks were going to stop. So she petitioned with the Muggle court and the MACUSA to take over father's vault here in Britain," She took another swig. All he could do was listen. He knew Aria's mom like the back of his hand. If she knew you had money, her eyes would turn green with greed. There was a reason why Alexander Yang had sole custody of Aria, her mother did not want to be a mother.

"When I first got there, I snuck into her study to see what she was scheming. I found the legal documents. I tried to bolt out of there, but she purposefully hired muggle security to stop me. You know how the MACUSA is Tonni. They have a zero bullshit tolerance for using magic in front of muggles. You get prison time for accidental magical use there," She continued. "She locked me in a room until the petition was finalized with both courts."

Antonin took a long swig from his glass, "I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg."

Aria nodded in agreement, "I sent a patronus to Narcissa Malfoy asking for a favor. I was stripped of any contact with anyone. Any letters I sent were read by my mother before it was allowed to be sent and vice versa."

"What did you ask Narcissa to do?"

"I made Narcissa swear to not tell anyone. Not even Lucius or Draco. I knew once Draco would get released he'd probably do something stupid and end up right back in Azkaban. I asked her to create an anonymous account under a personal LLC and slowly transfer any funds from Father's estate to the new account. Just in case."

Ant's eyes scanned her. It wasn't possible to blindly transfer funds unless they were listed as an executor.

"So that means Narcissa was your executor?"

Aria nodded, pouring herself another glass, "Yes. She is. As much as Father was a dumbass, he always had a backup plan. Since I was a tiny tike, father made sure Narcissa and Narcissa only would oversee the finances until I became of age should he die. Thankfully she was able to set all this up in one day."

"Oh? How did your mother react to it?" Ant questioned.

A smirk grew on the witch's face, "She was livid. Narcissa pretty much transferred the entire amount to the new account. The goblins wouldn't answer any of mother's questions and that only pissed her off more. I mean thankfully they take secrecy seriously." He just smiled. The goblins were no joke.

"Anyways, the both courts approved of the Conservatorship. Legally she had to let the MACUSA know why I was there and not use my magic often. Shit, they track that more than here. Once they realized what happened they were more than happy to sign the petition," Aria spoke bitterly.

"What did you do while you were there? Did you work?" He relaxed a bit.

"Mhmm. It was more like forced labor. Since the ministry here was too busy trying to move on from the war, they refused to sign the petition. Shit they didn't even acknowledge it. Whoever answered back literally wrote we do not acknowledge this because it is out of our jurisdiction. So that meant I wasn't allowed to come back," She answered.

"Yeah okay but that doesn't really answer my question," He pressed.

"Since this Ministry won't acknowledge it, that means I should run away on English soil, the Ministry won't make an effort to go after me. They will pretty much let me run free and my mother knew that. So I was placed into a potions and ancient runes mastery program which I didn't mind. You know I like potions and ancient magic. Once I completed those, I was forced to work for some company called SeBois Lab. Made a pretty decent living but of course mother oversaw all of it. The money I mean." Aria sighed.

"Did you date?" Antonin asked.

"Erm okay, no response to what I said but no I wasn't allowed to. Mother controlled it all. Who I spoke to outside of work and home, what I ate, how much I ate, who my healers were, the medicines I took, everything. The doors on my bedroom and bathroom were taken away. Security personnel at every doorway. No privacy whatsoever," She answered.

His stomach sank. She was tricked by her mother and essentially forced into a prison. She might as well have gone to Azkaban. Antonin cupped her hands, "I am so sorry for yelling at you. I didn't know."

She just shook her head, "Don't be sorry Tonni. If the roles were reversed I would've hexed you. You didn't even lift your wand at me."

"One more? Might as well finish the bottle," She nudged her head. Antonin couldn't help but agree, pouring the duo the remaining of whiskey.

"How did you essentially escape?" He asked, slumping into the chair.

"With the help of Kinglsey. Well Kingsley and Hermione Granger," She sipped her drink.

Antonin snorted, "Of course the Golden Girl would be the one to free you."

Aria shot him a death glare, "I've been told that she and Draco are engaged. About bloody time too. Those two drove me bonkers at school with their constant bickering. Hermione promised Draco to find me. I was told. I guess she went through old records and found a copy of the letter sent back to mother. She and Kingsley came to the MACUSA to dissolve the conservatorship. They pretty much sued my mother in both courts. I don't even remember making an appearance, I was so drugged up. They won and brought me back here." Antonin tensed, "How long have you been back?"

"About three weeks. It happened so quickly. All I brought was my wand. I didn't have time to pack or the energy," Aria spoke. "Hermione and Hannah have been a saint helping me get adjusted back. Hermione isn't as insufferable as she used to be," She laughed. Ant laughed with her.

"I mean she does go home to Draco every night." He shuttered. Aria rolled her eyes.

"Potter and Kingsley went back earlier this week to pack up my essentials. Some clothes and my books. Definitely my master certification paperwork. I've been on bed rest since I got here," She sighed. "The DMLE is checking for any traces of curses my mother could've placed on my items. Should have them back by Monday."

A light bulb just clicked in his brain, "Ahh so that is why my colleague, Bill Weasley, has been out for a few days. Wouldn't tell me his assignment."

"Your friends with a Weasley? I think I just died and am now in an alternate universe." She joked.

"Oh stand down. They aren't that bad. No seriously, why did Kings make such an effort to personally bring you back?"

"Oh shit Dolohov, calling the Minister by a nickname?" She poked.

"I am still upset so answer the question," finishing his drink.

Aria let out a hefty sigh and did the same, "Something is Dark is penetrating the wizarding world. It's already started in Asia. That's all I can say until it arrives here. So in turn Kinglsey wanted to be prepared. Plus Draco wouldn't leave him alone until I was found."

It was like all the blood had drained from his face. He was done fighting. He was tired. "Do.. Do you mean there is another uprising? Like Voldy is back?"

"Oh Salazar no. It has nothing to do with that. It is something different," She assured. A sense of relief hit him and he didn't pester her any longer about it. Thank god that this was different. He cannot listen to any more hissing.

He sat there and observed Aria as she cleared the small table. He noted, she was extremely thin. Her skin didn't glow like it used to and her hair was matted. The round dark moons under her eyes were painfully purple. She looked worse here than during the war.

"So, how is he?" She whispered with her back turned to her. He really didn't know how to answer her. Antonin knew she was asking about Thorfinn.

"It took me two tries to go order food from Hannah. Both times I bolted back upstairs. He looks good," She sat back down.

"Seriously woman, you haven't seen Thorfinn in almost nine years and all you can think about is his bo-" He stopped himself.

She was glaring at him, "For your information Antonin Dolohov, no I am not simping for the man I haven't seen in over nine years. I was just stating he looks fine like he didn't go crazy or something."

"He is doing fine I guess," Antonin started. "When we were in prison we figured the guards were purposefully not giving us our letters. Then when we got released, he tried owling you. It always got returned. He questioned everyone in our circle and no dice. No one had heard from you. Not going to lie, he went barmy and was heartbroken." Aria frowned.

"He drank for a bit. Heavily drank. Gwen had to step in. Told him to keep busy until you returned, so he got into the auror program. Completed it and began working as an auror," He spoke. Aria relaxed for a bit but you can tell her brain was running listening to what her friend told her.

"I know what you're thinking. No he isn't seeing anyone. When you start coming out into the world here, I am sure people will tell you so I might as well tell you now," He looked at his hands. "What did he do?" she asked.

"He uh.. Well he- fuck okay. He's kept a clean record but he had a little stint in a Muggle Club a few years back," Antonin began. "Go on," She grittered.

"Ahh yeah well. You must remember he was trying to stop drinking, but-"

"Again Dolohov, if you don't spit it out I'll make you," She threatened.

"Draco and Nott Jr., invited him out for celebrations because they celebrated their release from Azkaban. Now this was before Hermione entered the picture. Thorfinn went with them… got pissed drunk and fucked a muggle girl in the middle of the club," He shot his arms up in defense.

After a few seconds he realized Aria wasn't going to hex him. He peered from his limbs to look at the witch. She slumped in her chair, mouth open in disbelief.

"I mean.. I-" She couldn't get the words out. He stood up to go hug her because damn he didn't want to be the one getting hexed when she finally came across Thorfinn Rowle.

"I mean. I don't blame the tosser. I left without a word and I am sure he wasn't going to wait for me. He is an adult of course. I've been gone for almost nine years?" She rattled off.

"It will be okay YingYang," he hugged her tighter.

"I know it will be Tonni. Promise me one thing."

"Yeah?" He leaned his head onto her shoulder.

"Please don't tell him I am here. I don't want him to know," She sniffed.

"That's rude Aria, but I respect your wishes," He let go.

"I know, but if he found out right now that I was in the city, he would burn the entire place down to find me. Then he would burn it down again when he sees the state I am in right now, all thin and sickly," She did have a point, "I don't think Hannah would appreciate having her business burn down to the ground."

He chuckled, "You're right. When are you going to seek him out?"

Aria got up, "I have a meeting with the aurors and Kingsley in two weeks. I am sure he will be there. I'll try to chat with him after that. I mean we will all be at the ministry and he cannot burn that down can he?"

Antonin let out a huge laugh, "I'd like to see him try." Aria checked the time on her watch. They chatted for about an hour and a half. "Tonni, you should go. It's been a while and Finn is going to get suspicious. Plus I am tired."

He did the same, checked the time on his wrist, "I better go. I'll come see you tomorrow. Is your fireplace set up with the floo network?" Aria shook her head, "Kingsley wouldn't allow it for my safety. I should be back from Gringotts by noon tomorrow if you're going to stop by."

"Perfect, I'll swing by around one tomorrow. They might be busy since families will be doing last minute shopping before term starts. We will get lunch," He walked towards the door. "Alright, I'll try to hurry to the bank. It was truly nice to see you again Tonni," She pecked his cheek. "Same Aria, same," He gave her a kiss on the cheek also. He waved goodbye and swiftly exited the suite. Aria promptly shut the door and retested the wards. Bathing could wait, all she wanted right now was to sleep.

After what seemed like an eternity Thorfinn Rowle saw his best friend finally reappear. He looked a little too happy. Pansy took notice of this odd smile too.

"What took so long?" The blonde wizard pouted. "I had to sit here and listen to Parkinson go on about Malfoy's wedding nuptials." Pansy rolled her eyes, "Shut it Rowle. You actually sounded excited about it before he came back."

Antonin chuckled at the commentary going on. The table only consisted of two sets of pints, empty and water cups.

"You two aren't pissed drunk are ya?" Both shook their heads. "Alright well, I didn't ravish the witch. We just had a nice talk," He answered. It would be the first time Pansy would snort, "If walls could talk."

Thorfinn narrowed his eyes at Antonin, "You talked to a witch for nearly two hours and you're telling me you didn't ravish her?" Ant just shrugged, "She was very smart."

"He is lying," Pansy eyed. Thorfinn looked at his friend one more time before dropping the subject altogether.

"Alright I am ready to go home. Gwen is making me assist them in Diagon Alley tomorrow first thing," He got up. Ant didn't look at him and Pansy was already off. Yeah listening to Pansy was tiring but she was essentially planning the wedding. Man was he beat today.

The clock barely striked nine and the Alley was booming. Mothers, Fathers, and Children were beginning to file in to do last minute shopping. Term did start in twenty four hours, but so many people waited until the last minute to do the shopping. Aria made sure to get to Gringotts right when they opened. She knew the process to reactivate her Father's vault would be long. Since Narcissa transferred most of the money out to the new account, she froze the account on Aria's behalf. That didn't mean there were still jewels and heirlooms left in the vault. After about two and a half hours speaking to the little Goblin demons, Aria took out some money and made her way back to the Leaky. She was getting fed but she knew it was going to take some time to get back to her normal self.

On her way back, she noted that the crowd was worse than before. It was like they were packed like sardines in a can. She made a quick stop to purchase quills, parchment, and ink. Now all she needed was a familiar. Bitter that her mother got rid of her owl, Lucy. It was inhumane. The line was out of the shop when she stopped to take a look at the owls. "I guess I'll ask Tonni to get you, little one. The line is a bit too long for me to wait," She whispered to a bird white as snow and eyes as blue as the sea. The hoo'ed right back at her. She hoped that when the crowd disbursed, he would still be there. His eyes were gorgeous. Realizing she had spent too much time observing the owls, she raced back to the Leaky. She was going to miss Antonin's arrival and her room wards are still up. Little did she know, a pair of icy blue eyes was staring at her from inside the shop.

Thorfinn was going to surprise Milo with an owl. He stood in line for about thirty minutes contemplating whether or not to just leave and get him one over the holiday break. His sister and nephew were next door getting his reading material. Thorfinn, impatient out of his mind, started to people watch. The line wasn't moving quickly so he could get away with starring. He was scanning back at the windows at the front of the shop,when he saw someone familiar.

"It can't be," He whispered. She was wearing a jumper with basic denim jeans. She looked pretty thin and eyes were so gaunt. Actually she looked sick. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun. She was smiling at an owl.

His eyes grew large when he realized who it was. Internally he wanted to go run and hug the gal. Never let her go again. Physically his legs were glued to the floor. How could she just show up like this? After nine years? Was he dreaming? He thought. His heart began to ache as he kept staring at her. After a few moments, she began to walk away. That was it. He knew he couldn't leave her. He handed the owl to a random customer and tried to get out the door. There were too many people and it was blocking the entry way. He tried to push out but the people pushed back. Finally when he got out there, he desperately tried to look for her. Thankfully he was pretty tall but no dice. She was already gone. He went next door to find his sister and let her know that he was going to the Leaky to make a call. If anything, he knew of one person who was going to help find her. He needed to call Antonin and they were going to find Aria.