Obscure Occurrences |C. BAREBONE|

☛ Twenty-Two ☚

• December, 1925 •

Genevieve looked from the door to the postcard visibly in an erratic action. The young Burnett witch was unable to comprehend where she was. Finally, she was meeting family on her Mother's side, someone like her and her Mother. A witch. All through the trip Genevieve was jumping with joy as she mulled over her new life in England. Magic, freedom, fun. Nothing would hurt anymore, especially when she could cast new enchantments.

For a second more, Genevieve assessed the cottage before finally opening the wooden gate and approaching the door. Each step closer felt stifling, but like a pain to expel all the bad once experienced. Like an exorcism of control and stifling sovereignty that reigned over her for six years. Never did Genevieve think a short rap against a door would change her life forever.

To answer the door was a woman seeming to be in her mid-forties. Her hair was tightly pulled back into a bun that seemed to tighten the wrinkled skin around her forehead and cheeks, and against her pale, vein riddled skin was dark make up of purple and vibrant red. Despite this intense list of characteristics however, was a softness. Hiding against the hazel eyes of this woman, was a vulnerability that came with too much care for others and not yourself.

"Hello, is this the house of Vivienne Goldstein?" Genevieve asked politely. Yet the older woman only snapped back.

"What's it to you?" She questioned, her voice stern as it ricocheted through the air.

"I'm Genevieve Burnett, her niece. My Mother told me to come here if I needed some help".

Genevieve -at first- couldn't quite work out this woman. She was exactly as expected, strange and seasoned with an eccentric aura. In all honesty, the-girl expected some crazy lady decked out in fine robes and way too many feathers. However, she appeared normal, this woman's air was the only thing that gave you a cautious feeling.

"Well?" The woman asked with a snip.

Genevieve looked to her in confusion. That is before the woman moved aside and extended her arm open.

"Oh!" Genevieve gasped before rushing past with her suitcase held firmly in her hand.

Once she entered, Genevieve was in awe. Around her the house was littered with artefacts she never knew could exist. Meanwhile, Vivienne Goldstein, the only unmarried daughter of Hugo Goldstein, assessed her niece with a noticeably, harsh critique.

Genevieve had no assets, her bust was minimal, she had no bum and her stature was small as well as her frame. There was no sex appeal. Nothing to draw Purebloods to accept her. Vivienne only saw the girl's face as her redeeming quality, youthful and pretty. Other than that, Genevieve's Aunt could feel a power emitting from the girl. Already, she had a feeling Genevieve would go far with her help. After all, Vivienne wasn't head girl at Hogwarts and sorted into Ravenclaw for nothing. 

"Why are you here?" Vivienne went on to ask before prodding at Genevieve's body and avoiding her eyes.

"I-I did something... M-Magic",

"I guess my sister was right. You were just a late-bloomer" Vivienne mumbled.

"A late-bloomer?" Genevieve turned to question before the ex-Ravenclaw -once again- circled around the young witch.

"Yes, a late-bloomer, a witch or wizard that doesn't develop their magic until older" Vivienne informed.

"So you can teach me?",

"I suppose, but don't expect me to lenient on you because you're my niece. You'll be treated like all my other students",

"I understand" Genevieve said proudly, unable to uncurl her smile as Vivienne finally made eye contact with her.

"Good, I didn't think you were stupid",

"Far from it Aunt-",

"I'm professor Goldstein to you Missy!" Vivienne interrupted, instantly closing Genevieve's mouth before she drifted into one of the cottage's hallways.

"Um... Professor?" Genevieve asked, not knowing what to do while stranded in the house's entrance.

"Just make yourself at home, lessons start at one o'clock tomorrow afternoon!".