Prologue

The grand foyer of the Lightwell estate was filled with the hushed anticipation of departure. Little Angela, no more than eight years old, stood at the base of the grand staircase, her small hand clutching the hem of her mother's robes. Avelina Lightwell knelt down, brushing a strand of Angela's purple hair behind her ear, her deep purple eyes — a mirror of Angela's — filled with warmth.

"Now, my little star," Avelina said softly, "Your father and I won't be gone long. Just a few days for the symposium in Britain."

Angela looked up at her mother, her bottom lip quivering slightly. "But why can't I go with you, Mama? I want to meet Uncle Albus and all the other great wizards."

Jonathan Lightwell, tall and imposing yet gentle in his demeanor, stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on his daughter's shoulder. "You'll have your time, Angela. For now, it's important that you stay here and continue your studies. We'll be back before you know it, and we'll tell you all about the symposium."

Angela nodded, though her heart wasn't in it. The idea of being left behind with her aunt and uncle filled her with a quiet dread. She never felt at ease in their home, surrounded by her cousins who looked at her with disdain, as if she were an outsider. Her aunt, Matilda, and uncle, Edmund, were kind enough, but there was a coldness in their hospitality that Angela could never quite understand.

"We've left instructions for your studies," Avelina continued, her voice gentle but firm. "Practice your runes and make sure you review the spellwork we've been working on. You're getting stronger every day, and we're so proud of you."

Angela's eyes shone with pride at her mother's words. She loved magic, especially the complex, powerful spells her parents were teaching her. It made her feel connected to something larger, something that set her apart from the world of ordinary wizards.

Jonathan crouched down beside Avelina, his expression serious yet filled with affection. "Remember, Angela, we love you. Stay strong and be the good girl we know you are."

As the servants brought in the last of the luggage, Jonathan smiled slightly. "Angela, you'll be glad to know that the symposium is quite an important event. Some of the greatest magical minds from all over the world will be there — Master Hiroshi from Japan, Madam Li from China, and Minister Dubois from France, to name a few. And of course, Uncle Albus will be there as well."

Angela's eyes widened. "Really? And they'll all be there?"

"Indeed," Jonathan said, his voice filled with pride. "We'll be discussing important magical advancements, sharing knowledge that could shape the future. But don't worry — one day, you'll be there too."

The portal shimmered in the air, a gateway to Britain. Jonathan and Avelina gave their daughter one last hug, their words of love and reassurance lingering in the air as they stepped through the portal. Angela watched them go, her heart heavy with a mixture of pride and sadness. The portal closed, leaving her feeling oddly alone in the vast, empty foyer.

Later, Angela found herself in the cold, formal dining room of her aunt and uncle's home. She sat stiffly across from her cousins, who whispered and giggled to each other, excluding her from their conversation. Matilda and Edmund offered polite, surface-level conversation, but it was clear they didn't know how to connect with the solemn, intelligent child before them. Angela felt like a stranger in their midst, longing for the warmth and understanding of her parents.

The days seemed to stretch endlessly, each one longer than the last as Angela waited for her parents' return. She threw herself into her studies, practicing the runes and spells her mother had left for her, but nothing could shake the feeling of being out of place.

Then, finally, the day came when the portal shimmered back to life. Angela ran to the foyer, her heart pounding with excitement and relief. When the figures of her parents appeared, a wide smile spread across her face.

But they weren't alone. Walking with them was a tall, bearded man in deep purple robes, his eyes twinkling behind half-moon spectacles. "Uncle Albus!" Angela cried, running forward.

Dumbledore knelt down, his smile warm and genuine. "Ah, young Angela. I've heard much about your progress. Your parents speak of you often, with great pride."

Angela beamed as Dumbledore stood, extending a hand to Jonathan and Avelina. "It's good to see you again, my friends. I'm glad to have had the chance to visit, even if it's only for a short while."

"We're glad to have you, Albus," Jonathan replied. "There's much to discuss, but for now, let's enjoy our time together."

As they walked into the house, Angela felt a sense of peace. Her parents were home, and for now, everything was as it should be. She didn't know that this peace would be shattered years later, when both of them would be taken from her.

AN: In many years this is my first attempt to post at least something from dozens of drafts and ideas. Any criticism, advice, opinions, ideas are welcome due to lack of experience. Enjoy reading!