Muggled

3. Inside the Case and the "Ordinary" Lemon Balm

It was almost daybreak, yet Isabella's eyes were too eager to watch the shadows of swinging branches dancing on the ceiling. Instead of getting the coveted sleep she just got out of bed, dressed up and prepared breakfast. 

        The fireplace was still warm.Isabella only needed to pile up the smouldering embers, place couple of thin wooden sticks over and soon she watched how the tiny flames started licking the chopped wood. Her body moved mechanically. Rather than waving her wand, she spooned a few green tea leaves out of one of the boxes and put them inside the ceramic pot. Although she has spent considerable time living in the wizarding world, it was hard to give up some of the muggle habits. 

A deep sigh left her chest as she pulled all her hair up into a messy bun at the top of her head. 

The metal teapot she used to boil water was empty. "Aquamenti" her lips whispered and fresh water emerged from the tip of her wand filling the teapot, which she then hung over the burning fire. While waiting for the water to boil, she stepped outside and summoned Jack. She tried to call him over after Mr. Scamander has left however there was no sight of him since he brought her to the schoolyard. She tried to remain calm. It was an early morning even for creatures to be up and fool around. The whistling sound of teapot announced that the water is ready.

          The weather was still chilly after the heavy rain from the previous day, so Isabella put a pullover on top of the blouse she's been wearing and her narrow feet slipped inside the brown leather shoes. Quick glimpse in the mirror made her realise that she can't leave the house with hair like this. There was still plenty of time. Isabella combed her hair and styled them into the same loose ponytail she wore yesterday. 

As she walked out of the door she tried to summon Jack over and over again. However, all she could hear was a mild breeze playing with the leaves on the oak tree and high-pitched voices of birds chirping and welcoming a new day. Jack could not be found in his nest or anywhere else in the forest. Panic and anxiety struck Isabella's chest as a dagger. She's been desperately running around and apparating from one of Jack's favourite places to another for at least an hour, but without any success of finding the majestic creature. 

The time has passed quickly and the first classes were about to start in any minute. Hopeless and in despair, Isabella had no choice but to apparate to the castle and announce the terrible news.

          "Miss Peterson! Are you late again?!" cried Miss McGonagall, when she spotted Isabella running across the training grounds. 

"I know I've been too soft with you yesterday, but that does not mean you can do as you please!" Minerva called out in a creaky voice. 

"Professor McGonagall, I have some dreadful news!" Isabella replied approaching Minerva as she tried to catch her breath. 

"Dear god, you look horrible! What happened?" Middle-aged lady asked full of concern. 

"Jack..." Isabella needed to take a break as her heart almost jumped out of her chest. 

"Jack, my hippogriff..." Panting heavily, she leaned forward and rested both hands on her knees. Her body would definitely get use of some cardio or at least the long-desired sleep. 

"Jack is gone!" She spilled the news out. 

Professor gasped and stared at the young woman astonished. 

"What do you mean he's gone?! Have you looked for him?" McGonagall asked in mistrust. She thought it must be a mistake. Isabella surely overlooked something, and there is no need to make hasty conclusions. 

"I have looked for him literary everywhere, Professor. I did. It's as if he'd vanished!" 

Isabella was helpless. If McGonagall won't believe her, who will? She wiped off drops of sweat that emerged on her forehead. Her body was shaking and she felt the tears were about to fill her eyes, but instead of breaking down she just swallowed the hump of emotions, which settled in her throat.