Shadows

Prologue

The year was 1940. Just like all the years that came before, the students of Hogwarts boarded the Hogwarts express on the first of September, on their way to yet another memorable school year. Among them was one boy, Mr. Tom Riddle who knew, all too well, how special he was. What he did not know, however, was that, at around the same time, many miles away, travelling through the forests of the Amazon, was a young girl, who would change the course of his life. 

3rd September, 1940

"How much for those riding boots?"

The old man at the counter looked down at the girl standing in front of him. She was beautiful, in an independent, carefree kind of way. That was a dangerous combination in these areas. The girl was clearly not from here though. Her accent was too refined, her posture too stiff. Mr. Taylor knew she couldn't be older than fourteen yet there was something in her eyes, as if she had lived a thousand lifetimes.

If the man had asked, perhaps the girl would have told him that he was right, in a sense. She had lived far more than most people her age. Perhaps she would have told him how she had been in the Amazons just two days ago, or how she planned to visit the Arctic next. But Mr. Taylor had lived on the wrong side of London for years; he knew that it was always best not to ask questions.

So instead he simply said, "3 euros for this pair."

The girl paid the money and took the boots. Before leaving, she looked up at the man for the first time. Mr. Taylor froze. Her eyes were a startling blue, like the waves of the ocean, commanding, yet calm. Her lips curved slightly. It was clear that she did not smile often, yet her smile was beautiful. For a moment, she seemed like any other young girl. But just as quickly as it came, the look vanished, leaving Mr. Taylor to wonder if he had imagined it.

"Goodbye, Mr. Aaron Taylor."

The man nodded. It wasn't until she was long gone that he realized, with a start, that he hadn't told her his name.

******

The girl in question strolled through the streets of the Lower East side of London. Her eyes traced the broken homes, the people shouting at each other, the beggars on the streets. Anyone else her age would have been affected by the sight, but the girl simply walked on.

There was a simple reason for her dismissal, of course. She had seen and experienced far worse.

******

"Good morning, Mr. Shale."

"Morning Ana"

Ana pushed her long black hair behind her shoulder, then took a seat near the bar. In a few minutes, a warm cup of coffee was placed in front of her. Ana gave a small smile to the kindly old man. He had always welcomed her in the Leaky Cauldron, even when most of the pure-bloods looked down at her.

"How are your son's classes at Hogwarts going, Mr. Shale? He's in his seventh year, right?"

"Aye, he's doing well. He's no prodigy, but my boy works hard. I never could tell why you didn't attend."

"I like my independence."

"That has always been true, has it not?", another voice spoke out.

Ana turned around to eye the man who just entered the pub. Though he was dressed in Muggle clothing, it was clear that he was uncomfortable. His tie was crooked, his suit wrinkly, even his shirt wasn't buttoned properly.

A laugh escaped Ana. She seemed to be doing that quite often today.

"Dare I say, Professor Dumbledore that your taste in Muggle clothing has improved? At least you're not wearing that plaid monstrosity."

Dumbledore smiled, "It's good to see you Ana. It's been almost a year since your last visit."

"I was held up. Mr. Flamel wanted to show me his newest creation and then, he needed me to get him some Lágrimas de Selva."

"From the Amazon? Nicholas was always quite the ambitious fellow. You seem to be developing the same trait after spending so much time with him."

Ana did not reply further. Instead she stayed quiet and waited for what Dumbledore had to say. After all, he hadn't come here during school hours for a chat. Mr. Shale seemed to sense the same as he moved to the back to give the two some privacy.

Dumbledore observed the girl for a second. Anyone else would be uncomfortable under his scrutiny, but Ana had known the man for the better part of the past nine years. She held eye contact with him. After a while, he smiled.

"I suppose you want to know why I am here?"

Ana nodded.

"I visited the old house." Ana stared at Dumbledore, her eyes blank. The man cleared his throat before continuing. "I came across a letter in his study. I believe it's for you." 

Ana froze. Her eyes traced Dumbledore for a second before moving to the envelope in his hand. He placed it on the table. The ink was faded but she could still read the words,

To my beloved daughter

Her hands shook as she picked up the envelope. Inside was a single piece of paper.

Dearest Ana,

I never had the good fortune of being a proper father to you. In fact, if you are reading this, I am probably dead. I have known for months now that this disease is incurable, yet I never had the heart to tell you. I wanted you to have hope even if I didn't. You have already lost so much, darling. I am sorry I have to leave you too.

I know I have always hated Hogwarts. Always shamed its name. After all, my experience there was nothing to boast of. I had hoped that my teachings would be enough for you to grow into a strong witch. However, I know now that I can no longer guide you in your journey. So I leave the duty of your education to my dearest friend and the most powerful wizard I know, Dumbledore. I hope under his guidance and that of the Hogwarts staff, you can grow to be stronger than I ever was.

Yours affectionately,

Grant Miller.

Tears rolled down Ana's eyes. There hadn't been a day when she didn't miss her adoptive father. Ana looked up at Dumbledore's sad expression. Grant had been a close friend of his for years.

Ana wiped her tears. If she couldn't live with her father anymore, at least she could fulfill his dying wish.

"Well Professor, it appears that I'm going to Hogwarts."

******