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"This doesn't explain why you are here," one young man, maybe in his 30s sitting like an armchair, asks me out of nowhere.
"This explains why I'm named after my great-great-grandmother," I answer, no shouts with annoyance. Why--no one understands me? First, why he's sitting so sluggish?
A middle-aged man in between the long slicked and wavy face-length greyish hair stood afar in dark looks at me with twinkle eyes. His eyes are warm, Why does this man look friendly? Can he believe me?
"Alright, child. For Merlin's bread, we're not interested in your stiff Uncle ." This man has long hair and is older than the latter. His face is wrinkled and a thick luxurious white beard hits his stomach.
He must be some higher-order official here. How to address everyone… What'll they say? Pro...Prof...Professional. That's right, I guess.
He wears something like an ancient hat and his dress is more hilarious than mine. But, why is everyone seeing me like an alien? for wearing a mid-knee-length dress with an oversized fur coat. Yes, I knew I forgot my boots 'cause I was indoors --not outdoors. Who knows, maybe I was about to begin an expedition on a fine winter evening?
"Accept my apology, Headmaster. But we need to find her path soon," the latter long-haired man, alias prof come out of the dark.
Let's stick to prof itself. That word is too long to say.
Both men secretly speak by eyes.
"I'm here with the help of my great-great-grandmother's diary. Here it is." I got their attention back.
Wait
"Where is that?" I screeched Why it always have to be me? I hear my incorrect sentence.
"Dear, this is a magical school of witchcraft and wizardry. You couldn't carry any objects from the muggle world if you used any portals." "We can. But there are some restrictions." Again they start discussion.
Muggle world, what the hell is that word. But I read this in that book. No one is helping, again hearing my cracked voice from dry mouth seeks water 'cause of spontaneous speaking with these idiots, forgive my language.
I calmed down by the thoughts of nanny ma, pops, mom, gu-du, Van… Did I forget someone? I'm glad that this is helping.
"Think of your family, why does it matter to you?" --- Nanny ma said once, nanny ma is always right. I have to go back.
After in-haling, "Can I continue my story?"
Three nodded and looked like eagles prying at prey.
Where to start?
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Dinner was not-so-happy at the end. People part ways without even a good night. Nanny ma and nanny were the ones who went first. "I think I need to concentrate on my medicines. Kids, get ready for tomorrow." She winks then strolls to the stairs. Pursued by Zander, "Sister, I must witness your medicine rituals."
"Good night, everyone. Van, we need to talk." Uncle Todd recites and corrects his specs then gets lost into the parlour. Everyone ignored him and retreated to their beds except Van. She follows him, silently.
'Let's sleep. A New tale will spin-off tomorrow by nanny ma'
Wait for Van or not? My mind asks while I am tucking up.
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I wake up full of sweat. 'Even in winter?' Believe me, my ultimate question.
Ruffling my hair, "What an idiotic dream.", I shouted, 'why did you shout? Van might be heard.'
"Van?" I got up and verified she was not here. You're saved.
Winter daylight is cool and warm at the same time. But, humidity won the race to my window. Our room is enormous for two people. We shared a bunk bed 'cause it's traditional Wood style--- Nanny ma and Nanny used this. Before them, even more, senior Woods. Van is playing outside with Gu-du. "She must not know what I did," closing the window, I remind myself.
After my 10 minutes -refreshments, I scurried to the garden where Van is. "Morning " I shout and surprise her with a ball of snow. She turned towards me with gritted teeth. "Face this", she comes up with an unexpected blow.
"Hey, so..." Another attack this time it's Gu-du. Let's deal with that, which we summoned. My inner voice chimes in. Gudu laughing at me… Let's throw, at him. 'No!,' my past mistakes shout. Thank God, nothing happened.
Smirking, "Yes, Van. Always, two can play in a game." We played this until Nanny ma called us towards Wood Palace. "Wear your comfort yet boots." Zander orders. Meet our guides aka nannies.
"Nanny, Are my boots perfect?", Van asks Zander-nanna with a twirl. "Dear, Just like my perfect," she winks with back pats.
These two.
"Nanny ma, first you should show us the portraits, especially Cassandra." "Aye, madam." Nanny ma salutes me.
Wait, these two are giggling at us. Yes making fun of each other, it's our formality of mockery. But both nannies exchange a look. What's that?
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Unimpressed three men in front of me gave nonchalant looks.
Poor men, let's boost up.
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Our first visit is to the portrait of Amber Charlotte Wood, the Duchess of CleveWoods. Wife of the Duke of CleveWoods, Charles Willow Wood. There he is.
Next, we came across many people I'm not interested in.
The last portion of the room is secured with grand golden imprinted woods and metallic carvings.
Cassandra Willow Wood, the fourth daughter of the Duke Charles Willow Wood was imprinted on board underneath the portrait.
Her eyes are almond-shaped honey brown with thick eyelashes and brows. Her voluptuous honey brown curve bangs match her eyes.
I can feel the home in her kind smile. She is graciously sitting in a chair with a tiny black dairy bundled by her lean hands.
Nanny ma brushes, LATEWOOD -someone scribbled on the wooden edge with a graphite pencil.
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985 Word counts (Excluding author's note)
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R
eaders' Column
My dear mortals, did you find the professionals aka profs, I mentioned here?
