After the tragic death of her best friend/unrequited love, Cedric Diggory, Elliana Kingsley, a Muggle-born witch, chose to leave Hogwarts and travel with her parents to the continental US, hoping for a fresh start.
But her world is turned upside wh...
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The sun warmed my face as it beat down on the pavement beneath my feet. It was a sweltering summer dry in Derbyshire. My father's face was beet red, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead as he flashed my mother a lazy smile. She took my hand in hers, holding it tightly, as though she expected my five-year-old self to run across the road and dart into traffic.
I didn't mind though. My mother had a tendency to be a tad bit overprotective, watching me with cautious eyes and wavering smiles. But today, her excited smile was genuine, gazing at my father with adoration as we meandered our way across the parking lot.
It was my first time ever going to the zoo, and boy was I giddy with excitement.
I remember the sticky cotton candy sticking to my fingers and the taste of the green apple snow cone lingering on my tongue.
My parents got into an in-depth conversation with a zookeeper, chatting about the different breeds of owls. It was pure boredom to my young ears, so I found myself sneaking away and wandering to the 'Reptiles' Lair'.
It took a great amount of strength to open the heavy door that led into the air-conditioned room, so I felt accomplished as I padded across the marble floor, my footsteps seeming to echo around me. The large room was quite dark, aside from the lights illuminating the reptiles that were caged by thick walls of glass.
The first creature I stumbled upon was a cute little Gecko that looked at me with wide eyes. A Box Turtle was my second stop, though I wasn't particularly enthused due to the critter confining himself to his shell. It was when I came across a curled-up snake that my interest was piqued.
I had never seen one in person, so I was instantly fascinated by the creature. He was coiled in a ball, reminding me of the water hose in my backyard. Stealing a glance at the sign hanging above him, I was able to read the word 'Ball' and make out the letters 'P-y-t-h-o-n', but I didn't have a clue what the second word spelled out. Though, 'Ball' seemed to be an accurate description of the large snake.
He watched me with curious eyes, and I could have sworn he tilted his head to the side as though he was studying me. A giggle flew through my lips upon noticing my stained green tongue in the reflection of the glass.
"Hi," I said to the snake, not expecting him to hear me through the thick glass.
So, I was surprised for more reasons than one when he greeted me back, "Sssalutationsss."
My mouth fell open in shock. I wasn't under the impression that a snake could talk, but then again, I've never asked.
The sound of my mother's panicked voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"Ellie!" She squealed, running towards me with a frantic expression. "You know better than to sneak off like that!"
Unfortunately, that was the only time I've ever had the pleasure of going to the zoo. Upon asking my parents about 'talking snakes', I was met with laughter and amused grins. As I child, I had an overactive imagination, so it wasn't too far-fetched to think that I had imagined the whole thing.
And as fate would have it, I didn't stumble upon any more talking snakes after the incident. Granted, I didn't cross paths with a snake whatsoever. Over the years, it became a distant memory that I chalked up to my childish imagination.
***
"Thanks, Ollie." I patted my snowy owl on the head when he dropped several letters in my hand.
After giving him some treats, he flew to his cage for some much-needed rest. A smile flitted to my lips as I sifted through the letters. The first one was from Natalie.
'Dear Elle,
Still missing you loads. We all are. I hope you're adjusting to your new school. Consider yourself lucky that you don't have to be subjected to the new DADA teacher— Professor Umbridge. She's a wicked witch in pink, let me tell you. Fred and George have already gotten on her bad side (no surprise there).
I heard that Trevor is going to be coming to see you here soon. PLEASE wear something cute. For me? And you better tell me EVERYTHING! He seems super excited, you know. 😉
So, how is Muggle school treating you? I'm curious. Any cute boys?
Love you loads,
Nat <3'
I couldn't help but chuckle as I read the letter. Pulling out my pot of ink and feathered quill, I made quick work of writing her back.
'Dearest Natalie,
I miss you more. Professor Umbridge, hmm? I thought you were quite a fan of pink? I'm definitely not surprised that the twins didn't make the best first impression. No doubt, they're going to 'haze' her.
And yes, Trevor sent me a letter and told me all about his planned visit to the US. I can't wait to see him. I just hope it doesn't make me miss Hogwarts something terrible. 'Tell you everything'? Tell me, Nat— What DO you expect to happen? :p We're just friends.
Speaking of friends, I've made some good ones. 'Muggle school' isn't that bad. I'm still getting used to it, but the friends I've made here have certainly helped. You would love them. As far as 'cute boys' go... I plead the fifth. Sorry (not sorry) :p
Love you more,
Elle <3'
To my delight, the next letter was from Fred and George. They weren't big fans of writing letters, so it made it that much more special.
'Our Darling Elle,
We still can't believe you just upped and left us. How dare you. Just kidding. We get it (kinda sorta). How is everything going at that Muggle school? Do you plan on coming for a visit anytime soon? Lockhart won't stop bragging about getting to see you here in a couple weeks. The bloke is rubbing it in!
We hope you're doing better with everything. Hogwarts isn't the same without you. Has Natalie told you about the demon-woman?
Sorry we haven't written you. We've been meaning to. Honest. If you decide to come for a visit, our mum has some home-made treats on stand-by. We do hope to see you soon. Take care of yourself.
Love,
Fred & George'
My sweet boys. A heavy sigh escaped me. As much as I wanted to see them, I knew I was nowhere near ready to pay a visit to Hogwarts, and it hurt my heart to tell them.
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