Chapter 2 - The Arrival

Victoria woke the next morning full of excitement. She had been planning this trip for a long time. She wanted to experience what the world was like on her own. She had technically been on her own for a long time now.

As with Hogwarts, Salem students started the September after turning eleven. Since Victoria's birthday is in January she was almost twelve when she started school. Prior to starting school, Victoria was unaware of the magical world. She always felt as though she was different from the other children but she couldn't figure out why. When she received her letter of acceptance from Salem everything seemed to fall into place for her, except for one thing.

Her parents being muggles didn't understand what this magical school would want with their daughter. To help introduce Victoria and her muggle parents to the magical world the headmistress, Professor Carney-Moore, came to the family to explain what was happening, Victoria's parents decided they wanted nothing to do with magic, therefore they wanted nothing to do with Victoria. They, of course, didn't tell her or her visiting soon-to-be professor. The parents acted like all caring parents; providing the funds to purchase all the new supplies for her new school, providing encouragement that she would soon be with people like herself, and sending Victoria off to school at the end of August.

Everything for Victoria changed at the end of her first year of magical schooling. Parents were to meet their children at the school in Salem. All the parents arrived to pick up their children and all their belongings, except the Sieks. Victoria told herself that her parents just got lost and would be there shortly to pick her up. Seeing that Victoria was still waiting on the front lawn of the school as night was falling, Professor Carney-Moore went to her.

"Victoria," the Headmistress called, "What are you still doing here?"

Victoria turned stating, "My parents must have gotten lost. Maybe they can't find the school because they are muggles. They should be here soon."

The Headmistress, finding this rather odd, invited Victoria back inside for dinner and to wait in the headmistress' chambers for her parents. Victoria accepted and followed Professor Carney-Moore. After a delicious dinner, the headmistress decided to investigate where Victoria's parents were. Leaving Victoria curled up in a chair on the balcony of her chamber, Professor Carney-Moore set out for Victoria's parents home.

Upon arriving at the home of the Sieks, Professor Carney-Moore could tell that no one had lived in the home for months. There was actually a for sale sign planted in the front lawn. Seeing that there was a number for the realtor on the sign, the professor took out her cell phone and called the number. After talking to the realtor, Professor Carney-Moore was able to determine that the Sieks had told everyone that their daughter had died of an infection and went as far as having a grave marker placed in the local cemetery for her. They had moved away because there were too many memories in the house of their "dead" daughter for them to stay there.

Returning to the school, Professor Carney-Moore considered what to tell Victoria. After consulting individually with each of the professors at the school Professor Carney-Moore decided to tell Victoria all the truth and work with her and the magical government to get Victoria emancipated or at the very least gain custody of the child until she could be emancipated.

After that first year, Victoria continued to stay with Professor Carney-Moore during the summer holidays until she graduated. Victoria was able to become emancipated at the age of sixteen and started to work to save money for after school. Now she was on her way to London to fulfil her dream of becoming a Potions Mistress.

After arriving at the Ministry of Magic in London, Victoria made her way to Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron to check in to her room. Now that the Second Wizarding Wars had been over for some time, there were many muggle conveniences being used in the wizarding world such as cell phones, internet, and other electronical devices.

After checking in and going to her room, Victoria decided to explore Diagon Alley and enjoy the rest of the day. After having a dinner in the dining area of the Leaky Cauldron Victoria retire to her room and was surprised to find Wilaclya waiting for her with a letter from Professor Snape.

Ms. Sieks,

I will be in Diagon Alley for Potions ingredients tomorrow morning. I have reserved a private room at the Leaky Cauldron to meet with you at 11:00 am.

Regards

SS

Victoria very please to have received a reply so fast. And thoroughly surprised to be meeting the professor tomorrow morning. Having to prepare for the meeting in the morning Victoria decided to turn in for the evening and get an early start for tomorrow.