The Ice Queen [s.b.]

↠the meet (not) cute, 1.6

August 4th.

Anna walks through the crowd until she gets pulled aside by her parents.

"Anna, meet Tom," her mother says brightly.

The Fawley blinks a couple times as she looks over the male in front of her. He has dark hair and red, slatted eyes. "Oh, hello. I'm Annalee. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I know. I've been watching you. I wanted to speak with you," he practically commands.

She feels someone poking around her head. She pushes them out. "I'd love to. But don't try to poke around my head again, please."

"Anna!" Aubrey gasps, aware of the power the man standing before the two of them hold (unlike her daughter).

Tom chuckles, "Please, Aubrey. It's wonderful to see such a strong young woman. Refreshing, dare I say."

Anna laughs with a little curtsy, "Thank you, Tom. I believe the Malfoys have a room across from the ballroom we can use, should you want to have a private conversation."

"Great idea," Tom says warmly. Well, as warmly as he can be.

Annalee follows him into the small room. They sit down.

"So what can I help you with?" she asks politely.

He smiles, "I'm so glad you asked. I've been asking around about you for some time. You've been top of your class, haven't lost a duel, come from a powerful family, and I do believe you have an unregistered animagus?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, though I can always appreciate the flattery," she says coolly, holding his gaze.

"Oh, it's quite alright. It's not to worry. I don't want you in Azkaban, even if you decline my mentorship."

"Mentorship?" she asks abruptly.

"Ah, yes. It feels as though I've gotten ahead of myself. I wanted to offer you my resources as a mentor. I happen to be a very powerful wizard, and I believe I can help you. We would be meeting every day for the rest of the month."

A smile quirks on her face, as she doesn't know she's sitting before the perpetrator of dozens of murders. 

"I'd like that. You seem a wonderful teacher and a great man."

He laughs out loud, something he hadn't done in decades. "Much appreciated, Ms. Fawley. Now tell me, can you do wandless magic?"

"That depends. Will you not tell my parents or Dumbledore?"

"Of course. As in, I won't tell them. And don't worry about being underage. That won't apply as long as you're with me. I've cast some powerful concealment charms."

"Cool. Then cast a harmless spell. Like the Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"Locomotor Wibbly," he says, with his wand aimed at her and a slight smile at the funny words.

She knocks it away with a wave of her hand.

"Non-verbal and wandless. Impressive. I'm looking forward to helping you along, Annalee," Tom smiles again.

"Please. Call me Anna. And if I may, can I ask why you're helping me? You don't seem like the type to do something with no personal gain. And that isn't an insult, so please don't take it as such."

"I certainly don't. And you may. I believe you can help me fulfill my goal," he says vaguely.

"And what may that goal be?"

"All in due time, young one. I will see you tomorrow. Nine a.m. Be ready. Mentally and physically," he commands, then disapparates with a 'crack! '