MINOR EDITS IN PROGRESS - The Forgotten Heir | Sirius Black (Marauders Era)

Introduction: A Flicker of Hope

Certainly! Here is the revised text with "Lamia" replaced by "Velora":

The rain beat steadily against the windows of Wool's Orphanage, casting a melancholic rhythm that echoed through its bleak hallways. The sky outside was a dull, unyielding grey, matching the oppressive atmosphere inside. In a small, dimly lit room on the top floor, Velora Wool sat on her creaky bed, staring intently at a piece of paper. Her dark hair fell in untamed waves around her pale face, and her emerald green eyes glinted with a sharpness that seemed almost unnatural.

It was December 8th, her birthday. The tenth one she'd spent within the orphanage's cold, indifferent walls. On the paper before her, she had carefully drawn a simple birthday cake, complete with candles. It was her way of marking the day, a small act of defiance against the unyielding sadness that had settled into her bones over the years.

She took a deep breath and prepared to blow out the imaginary candles, making a silent wish. Just as she puckered her lips, a soft knock interrupted her reverie. She looked up, startled, as the door creaked open. Mrs. Cole, her caretaker, stood in the doorway, a stern but not unkind expression on her face. Beside her was a tall, imposing figure with long white hair, a matching beard, and a pair of piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through her. Perched on his shoulder was a striking yellow owl.

"Velora," Mrs. Cole said, her voice unusually gentle, "this gentleman wishes to speak with you."

The man stepped into the room, his presence commanding yet oddly comforting. He glanced around, taking in the sparse furnishings and the drawings that adorned the walls. His gaze finally settled on Velora, and she met his eyes with an icy stare that mirrored the look another orphan had given him many years ago.

"Ice and fire," the man murmured to himself, almost imperceptibly. Louder, he said, "Hello, Velora. My name is Albus Dumbledore. May I sit?"

She nodded slowly; her curiosity piqued despite herself. As he sat, the owl ruffled its feathers and hooted softly. Dumbledore's eyes held a kindness that was foreign to her, but behind them, she saw something else — hope.

"I have come to tell you something very important," he began, his voice gentle and measured. "You have been chosen to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You, Velora, are a witch."

For a moment, the room was silent except for the relentless patter of rain against the windows. Velora's heart raced as she processed his words. A witch? Her?

Dumbledore handed her an envelope, aged parchment with her name written in elegant script: Miss Velora Wool, Wool's Orphanage, London.

She took the letter, her hands trembling slightly, and looked back at Dumbledore. His eyes were fixed on her, studying her reaction with a mixture of anticipation and empathy.

"If you decide to join us," he continued, "you can send an owl with your response. I will come to collect you right away."

Velora glanced at the letter, then back at Dumbledore. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, but within it, she felt a spark—something she hadn't felt in a long time. Possibility. Hope.

Dumbledore stood, giving her a final, reassuring smile. "I hope to see you at Hogwarts, Velora." With that, he turned and left the room, Mrs. Cole following closely behind.

Alone again, Velora looked at the letter in her hands, tracing the embossed crest with her finger. She took a deep breath, feeling the emotion swell within her, then slowly, deliberately, she blew out the imaginary candles on her drawing. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to wish.

A/N

Hi everyone! Happy reading! Welcome to another book of mine! 

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