Begin Again (Severus Snape/Student Love Story)

Chapter One: Gravity

Dear Kaitlyn,

I'm already missing you tons! There's been a... minor change of plans since we arrived. The house we were supposed to be moving into isn't ready yet - something about a sudden Doxie infestation that has to be cleared up first. So, my parents and I have settled into our rooms at a popular wizard pub in London, The Leaky Cauldron. They said it'll be just a few days, and it's convenient enough as this pub is the entranceway to England's wizarding shops, so I'll be able to pass the time shopping.

The muggle airplane ride was unbelievable! Nothing like flying a broomstick, much scarier! But as you know, dad insisted we enter the country in a way that would provide record in muggle systems that we are residing here. Honestly, I don't understand the point.

I'm so nervous about starting at a new school. I know I've said it a million times, but this whole thing still seems ridiculous no matter how many times my parents have tried to rationalize it. I'm nearly 17 – I think I'm old enough to live with grandma and finish out my last two years of schooling at Ilvermorny with you, Darrin, and all our friends. Never mind the pain of getting to know new professors and learn a new campus. Mom has tried to prepare me with what she remembers from her days at Hogwarts, but - and don't tell anyone this - I still feel nervous.

Anyway, I promise to tell you about absolutely everything that happens! Please write me often and keep me updated on the Megan-Alex drama this year. I am so sad I'm going to miss out on that excitement.

Lots of Love,

Rowan

I stuffed the letter into the envelope, courtesy of The Leaky Cauldron, rolled it up, and tied it to my majestic barn owl's leg, thinking that would be more comfortable than carrying it in his beak on his long journey. "Okay Milo, getting to Katie is going to be a longer trip than usual from now on," I said, scratching his soft white chin. He tilted his head and hooted in affection. "Be safe, okay?" I gave him a kiss on the head, then opened the creaky window of our second-floor room. Watching him fly away into the cloudy evening sky, I felt even more alone than I had a moment before. Milo had been my best friend for six years. I adopted him before I even started school. He was the only friend that could come along with me to England, and now, for the next few weeks, I wouldn't even have him to confide in.

I shut the window and fell backwards onto the four-poster bed, puffing dust into the air around me. At least mom and dad splurged on getting me my own room. It was the least they could do after dragging me away from my home and friends. My dad is a higher-up at the International Division of The Magical Congress of the United States of America. Since Voldemort's "official" return to power, dad has been working closely with The Ministry of Magic in England to oversee cooperation between the US and England. I don't know all the details – "top secret" of course – but his job required a temporary but long-term relocation. I begged – no, pleaded – with my parents to let me live with grandma so I could finish out my education at Ilvermorny, but they wanted me close by. Regardless of the fact that I had a life in America, and regardless of the fact that being in England is being in the center of the action and therefore much more dangerous, they wouldn't budge on their decision.

My stomach grumbled, and I jumped out of bed, realizing that I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast before our flight this morning. I mulled over my food options for a few minutes before remembering that I was staying above a pub.

As I made my way downstairs, I took in my surroundings more thoroughly. The Leaky Cauldron was clearly not well-kept. Heavy dust coated almost every surface imaginable, and hundreds of what I assumed were mouse prints patterned the thick grime edging the creaky, scaly floors. The walls were equally disturbing, with sporadic web-covered holes all around. So, I was surprised when I passed a shaggy haired witch knocking on a door and announcing herself as "housekeeping," and wondered if she actually did any cleaning at all. Honestly, with magic at your fingertips, I feel like every squeaky floorboard and every cracked ceiling tile should be instantly repaired, and filth should be nonexistent.