Legacy Disowned - Book 1

Chapter I - An Unexpected Detour

Eleazar Fig was making final preparations on the carriage. The girl standing nearby was giving one of the thestral's bony noses a gentle pat. He glanced at her; he hoped they'd arrive at a good enough time so he could convince her to change out of those dusty moon-stitched riding boots before the feast. The girl had flat out refused to part with the old things.

Apart from the boots, Miss Maggie Darling had made quite the lovely young lady. Her dark golden curls framed pearl earrings that glinted in the light like full moons. Only two tattoos on the backs of her hands of a sun and moon were visible. Her ruffled silken blouse tucked into a high waisted bell skirt and delicate ribbons in her hair gave off an air of sophistication and femininity—a far cry from the nearly feral child Eleazar had taken under his wing back in May.

When Professor Black informed Eleazar he was being tasked with preparing this unique child to attend Hogwarts, he didn't know what to expect. Ilvermony had refused to take the girl in, but Black was oddly insistent that Hogwarts would be able to educate her.

Eleazar had recently lost his beloved wife Miriam--they never had children of their own, so this task seemed like something that might keep him going. When he met the girl, however, he realised it wouldn't be easy. She took to magic quickly, but behaving like a proper young lady was a different challenge altogether.

She had been inclined to dress either like a harlot or a boy depending on her mood. Her fair skin had been polluted with an abundance of tattoos, and she had an unhealthy affinity for both flirting and fighting. Not to mention her language could make even the crassest street urchin blush.

Eleazar was pleased with how Miss Darling had grown over the last few months. Though she still had much to learn, he was proud of the progress she had made since he took her in. Miriam would have adored the girl, rough edges and all. Still, Eleazar had learned a great deal of patience over the summer.

"We should be ready to depart," he called.

She gave the thestral one last pat and walked over, letting out an exhausted sigh.

His voice was gentle as he spoke. "I understand this is difficult for you, but I know that Hogwarts will bring you lifelong friendships and give you a chance to show people what an extraordinary witch you are." Her hazel eyes lit up with mischief at the last part and he had to give her a warning look; it was always tricky to keep her enthusiastic without letting her get carried away.

It was at that moment, George Osric appeared with a loud crack looking a little flustered.

"Oh-ho! Eleazar!"

"George! Glad you found us!"

"I confess I may have miscalculated slightly on my first try. Gave quite the fright to some theatre-goers in the west end." He chuckled. Miss Darling let out a derisive laugh at this.

"It's been much too long. When I received your owl, I must say I—"

"Best not speak here." George cut in with a meaningful look.

"Oh course, we can speak en route! We have a feast to get to!"

Eleazar watched as George's face lit up with joy at the invitation. He turned toward Miss Darling and bowed his head politely in greeting.

"Wonderful! I hope you don't mind me tagging along," he said as they made their way to the carriage.

They climbed aboard, and George nervously glanced around the alley. Eleazar saw Miss Darling inquisitively observing this behavior. George shook the wariness from his face as he got in and  and grinned widely.

"Been ages since I've been to the castle! Would be good to see that old pile of rocks again," he exclaimed cheerfully. With a loud crack of the whip, they were off.