𝕳𝖚𝖋𝖋𝖑𝖊𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖚𝖇𝖑𝖊 | [𝐜.𝐝] [𝐨.𝐜]

Chapter 1 ➵ the letter.

I quickly sat up and let out a long, tired yawn, then pushed of my warm covers. A chill from the open window sending a shiver followed by goosebumps all over my bare skin. My eyes out of habit rolled to my nightstand where I looked at my clock which said seven fourty-five.

I then stiffly sat upright, and crawled to the end of my bed hanging my legs tiredly over the edge. I blinked a few times, trying to adjust my eyesight to my surroundings and when everything looked clearer, I walked my way over to the bathroom, splashing water over my face to wake me from my daze.

Today is the day grandma goes to pick up my school uniform, she'll also allow me to grab some supplies to bake cookies with her from the store near there since it's close. It's a weekly tradition of ours to do so once a week, and today's that faithful day.

An odd crinkling sound was heard outside and my eyes found the source for anything to excite the normal regime the days of summer would without fault recite; Ms. Zabini, an old widow who took care of me when I was younger when my grandparents weren't home, pulled three large garbage bags with one hand across her driveway, and effortlessly through them in the bin.

She probably saw me watching her, because she looked in my direction and flashed me a wrinkly smile which I politely returned.

What an unusual woman she is. Fun, but weird.

Making my way down the stairs, I was surprised to see my grandparents up, as if anticipating something.

'Good morning Granny,' I greeted, then went to peck her on the cheek she sent me her signature warm smile my way, which I shortly returned 'Good morning Papa' and did the same to my grandpa, who was deeply engaged in a newspaper, but immediately brightened up. I pulled out a chair and sat down, grabbing a slice of bacon and stealing a sip of some of my grandpa's coffee.

'What do you think about being away from home for a while Bella?' Grandma asked worried.

I pondered a bit before quickly answering, 'As long as you guys are there with me I'm fine.'

The elderly couple had been looking after me since I could talk, and treated me as I was their own daughter, but as time did it's damage. Grandma's eyesight worsened.

The dark liquid, stinged my tongue and I winced a bit before blowing and drinking a bit more. Suddenly, simultaneously knocks were heard and their attention switched quickly towards the door. I furrowed my eyes at their nervous expressions but quickly broke the obvious tension in the air.

'I'll get it,' I said, and ran to the door.

Standing there, was a lady with emerald robes, black hair neatly pinned in a bun, with stripes of grey streaks going though it; declaring her old age, and a stern expression, which curled into a curt smile as our eyes met. I greeted her and she did the same, her Scottish accent ever so evident.

She made her way over to my grandparents, who led her to the living room. While  staring at the peculiar lady as she continued her conversation with my grandparents with a now more serious expression.

I tried not to ease-drop, but a few peculiar words caught my attention.

'Muggles, hogwarts, and witch?' I pondered a bit on why they would let such a strange lady into our household before she signalled them to come with her and they left for the living room, where they continued their conversation in hushed whispers.

My focus then turned to when she pulled out a long, delicately carved out wooden stick from her long robes, made a swift movement and my toast fell from my mouth at what happened next.

My grandmother's white pearl earrings, which I could've sworn was there a second ago disappeared. I batted my eyelids in disbelief at what I thought I saw, but in the blink of an eye it was back. I knew what I saw though, because their attention also made it's way to my grandmother's ears.