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Last of The Fae Chapter 2: Staying the Night
🕑 Added 2024-08-02 14:30:35 +0000 UTCWith another flash of light Minerva and Thane appeared in the middle of a cobbled street well lit by the row of lamp posts running alongside the road.
Letting go of Minerva’s hand Thane stumbled over to the side as he gagged and dry heaved. Reaching out, Minerva placed a calming hand on Thane’s back, “There, there, it’ll pass in a moment.”
True to her word Thane felt the intense wave of nausea pass a second later, “W-what was that?”
“Apparition, a high level spell that allows a Mage to instantly travel to an unwarded location they’ve been to before.“ Minerva answered in an even tone like she was instructing a class, “Your body will adjust with regular use, so don’t worry about tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Thane asked with a fearful gaze
Minerva smiled but it didn’t do anything to ease Thane’s fears, “Of course none of the shops are open, it's the dead of night. That’s why I brought you here.”
Thane looked over at the cozy brick building with a wooden sign hanging above the door featuring three broomsticks, “What is this place?”
“The Three Broomsticks Inn, in Hogsmeade Village. We’re actually walking distance from Hogwarts believe it or not, you’ll probably end up visiting here on the weekends with your classmates or exploring the surrounding forest.” Minerva said with a sigh as if remembering fond memories of her past, “Come along now, let’s get you inside and a proper meal in your stomach.”
Thane followed behind Minerva as she strode up to the door and pushed it open letting the warm glow of the pub inside spill out. Walking in after her Thane looked around in wonder, despite it being late the inn wasn’t empty though it was far from crowded. Mostly lone customers sitting by themselves enjoying the warm smoky air and the quiet background noise.
Eventually Thane’s wandering gaze settled on a woman with curly blond hair and blue eyes resting behind the bar who looked up as Minerva stepped up to the bar, “Professor McGonagall, I can’t remember the last time you’ve stopped by.”
Minerva smiled fondly in return, “Madam Rosmerta, forgive me for not saying hello more often.”
Rosmerta waved aside Minerva’s apology, “I know how busy they keep you down there at the School, so tell me how can I make your life a bit easier?”
Minerva moved to the side revealing Thane who was watching with curious eyes. Leaning forward Rosmerta smiled at Thane, “Oh, and who might you be?”
Thane blinked before responding, “My name’s Thane…are you a Mage?”
Taken by surprise Rosmerta paused before she nodded with a smile, “Technically I’m a witch, but if you're asking if I can use magic then the answer is yes.”
Thane’s emerald eyes shone, “What’s the difference? Is a mage more powerful?”
Rosmerta laughed as she glanced at Minerva, “Curious one for his age isn’t he?”
“I’m only fifteen,” Thane muttered defensively.
“Indeed he is, but there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact I think Thane has a rather bright future ahead of him.” Minerva boasted as she smiled at Thane who grinned up at her.
Turning back to Rosmerta, Minerva cleared her throat, “I would like to rent a room and a hot meal for Thane. We have a busy day at Diagon Alley tomorrow and I want him at full strength.”
Rosmerta smiled as she stepped out behind the counter, “No problem Professor, and just for you consider it free of charge. I’ll show him up to his room and have a hot meal sent up right away.”
Minerva nodded and gestured for Thane to follow Rosmerta and she watched them both disappear up a set of stairs leading to the room for rent.
Once they were out of view Minerva stepped outside the inn before reaching into her robes and pulling out a small wooden box. Flipping open the lid revealed a velveted line interior protected the pile of glass shards inside. Pouring her mana into the magical artifact Minerva watched as the individual shards floated into the air and assembled themselves together to form a small mirror with a shimmering metallic surface.
“Albus Dulmbdore,” Minerva whispered the words and a second later the surface of the mirror rippled before changing to show a cluttered study lit by candle light, “Albus are you there?”
“Minerva is that you?” A wizened voice came from out of view before a old man in a set of silken robes with a majestic snow white beard shuffled into frame, “Do you know what time it is?”
“I am perfectly aware of the time Albus however I have a matter that I need to inform you of and it can not wait until the morning,” Minerva insisted.
With a grunt Albus lowered himself into the chair in front of the scrying mirror, “Very well then, what is the issue?”
“I believe one of the enrolling muggle born students has been physically and emotionally abused by the nuns at his orphanage,” Minerva stated plainly not tiptoeing around the subject.
Albus frowned, “That saddens me to hear, I assume then you didn’t get their consent for enrollment?”
Minerva shook her head, “No, I did not though I don’t believe he’ll have an issue signing me as his magical legal guardian.”
“So then what is the reason that you’ve called me?” Albus asked and Minerva could hear the curiosity in his voice.
“The boy was able to sense me using magic,” Minerva answered with an amazed tone of voice, “And not only does he but he has near perfect control of his internal mana, with a capacity I’ve only heard of in legend. But he may also very well have an innate elemental affinity.”
“Hmmm,” Albus made an interested sound in the back of his throat as he stroked his beard, “Those are the signature signs of a bloodline…have him tested at Gringotts perhaps our young student is a long lost heir.”
Minerva nodded, “Very well, good night Albus.”
“Goodnight Minerva.”
