Enchanted Regains Chapter 2
Enchanted Regains Chapter 2
The walk towards Mr. Evanâs house was least to say an awkward experience, or to Mr. Evans it was. They walked swiftly, both Dumbledore and McGonagall following Mr. Evans in front, who constantly made sure not to be seen with two oddly dressed people. Every now and then Dumbledore would make a comical remark about the time or location, making Mr. Evans walk faster.
As they approached the house, Mr. Evans turned and stared at his two followers. âAs you probably already know, the house is under a protected enchantment. Any wizards or magic that tries to enter will instantly be shot back. âA hint of pride was cast in his voice before McGonagal spoke.
âYou must care deeply for your home to have created such an enchantment.â
âThe magic word to know is âelixirs Mariâ ; just say it as you enter.â And with that Mr. Evans walked through a pearly white gate.
âI think I shall have the honor of going first, if you donât mind Minevera.â Dumbledore said as he followed Mr. Evans and repeated the words in front of the house. In an instant he was able to walk past the gate. McGonagall followed suit still quite weary of what was to come in the home. âElixirs Mari!â She stated and without a trouble she was able to walk through the gate as well.
âThat was less hassle than expected; very kind of you to not give us the wrong password Mr. Rossi.â Timothy raised a brow at McGonagall before speaking. âI donât possess a demented mind Professor McGonagall.â
 The view of the house was very impressive. It clearly wasnât something to take in lightly. Just by seeing it, it was more than clear that wealthy people inhabited the home. The house was three stories, and the bright white paint gave an idea that it wasnât very old. The gate had been painted the same color as the house to give it an equal view, which illuminated the many flower patches that adorned the outside.
âI see you have done well for yourself Mr. Evans, it is a very wondrous household indeed.â Mr. Evans smiled faintly at Dumbledoreâs comment.
âFollow me, and please donât step on the pansies.â Timothy sighed looking much older as he ran a hand through his light brown hair. In a few seconds he was leaning against the white entrance door taking a deep breath. âBury me in Italy.â
With that he pushed the door open and stepped inside. The house was no less spectacular than the outside, possibly more. A spiral staircase was seen on the right leading to the other sections of the home. Looking straight ahead it was obvious you would be lead to a large family room and a kitchen connected by an archway. The three wizards entered as the noise of kids laughing and a woman speaking on the television monitor blared. Going further inside the home and directly into the family room two pairs of smaller stairs were seen; one on the left and the other on the right, which lead to other rooms.
âAngela, we have visitors!â Timothy announced. An instant later a dark haired, tanned, and visibly sophisticated woman appeared from the archway leading to the kitchen. âWho did you invite this ti-â
The womanâs focus left Mr. Evanâs gaze to the two companions behind him. Instantly the beautiful way her eyes had been formed turned into a hateful scowl. âWhat are they doing here? I thought we agreed to never allow any queer company inside.â
Mr. Evans opened his mouth to speak but was beaten by Dumbledore. âAgh, Mrs. Martin, as delightful as ever I see. Hopefully you wonât mind our intrusion upon your home, which is quite marvelous if I may add, but we were just passing by to share some information with Mr. Evans and you.â
Mrs. Martinâs lips pursed and it became clear there was no intention of wanting their company around. âI donât think any information you are looking for is here, so I suggest you leave this instant. We donât accept other wizards into our home.â Professor McGonagall made her presence clear.
âI suppose you do not think we traveled all this way just so we would be rejected upon arriving. Nor should you think it was simply so we would gain information that we more than likely already acquire nor that we give information out of charity. Our goal here is much more important than both of you. Now have some curtsey and let your former Headmaster speak.â
Angela stared red-faced at the professor, but held back any angered comment by her Mr. Evanâs sudden grip on the shoulder. He spoke clearly trying to hold back any angered comments as well. âSit down please. Letâs head to the living room; it seems only natural that we have this conversation in a good mannered way.â With that he along with his wife strode to said location and sat in one of the crescent shaped white couches.
On the other side Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall positioned themselves, before Dumbledore took out and gave a wave of his wand. Four cups came out of the wall cabinets followed by a glass of clearly expensive wine. âAgh, a good brand indeed, it should help enlighten the mood.â But the mood clearly wasnât enlightened as each person received a glass. Especially by Tim's, âGo right ahead.â
âNow as your dear and former Professor McGonagall kindly stated, we are here to deliver some important new for your ears only. I am aware that our presence was unannounced, but everything will be justified. But first, is there any that you would like to say Mr.Evans and Ms. Martin? Or should I call you Mrs. Evans as well, Mrs. Martin?â
âMrs. Evans.â A stiff silence before Mrs. Evans spoke up. âYes, Iâd like to say that it would be better if you got to your point already. This unorthodox visit is already taking longer than I like.â
âCourtesy and respect to your elders are virtues that you have not gained and would still be advised well if learned.â Dumbledore ignored the aghast look from her. âNow as you so wish, we shall proceed.â
Extending his hand into his robes Dumbledore pulled out a small letter. A crimson cross crossed out the four sides of the envelope with a red and gold crest sealing the center.
âWhat's that?â Angela asked
âWhy itâs a simple letter but the beholder is supposed to be, as stated here, Mr. Evans.â With that the letter was handed to Timothy. With a shaky hand Timothy reached across the table and hesitantly took the letter. The couple stared at each other before removing the seal.
As the envelope was opened a glow of light appeared. A small man formed from the light and stoop on top of the crest. This brought a smile to Timothy's features. The man standing on the envelope was tall lean but with well-built features. It was impossible to distinguish the color of his clothing since the glow made him completely blue but his wealth was evident. Overall he appeared to be a mini hologram.
He began to speak.
âIf you are seeing this message then I can safely assume the beholder is Timothy Rossi and Dumbledore has located you. -So then you can assume that our creation worked Tim!â A bright smile grew on the holograms face. âI continued our creation for better communication once you left but never brought it out to the public. And it worked! Oh you should have seen the number of attempts it took to work this charm but it paid off.â
Timothy's excitement became as visible as the man's. âBut since you are seeing this then you know that it doesn't let us communicate back and forth. Sadly it only functions like a howler. But still works!â
âSweetheart is that...â Timothy placed a finger towards the holograms lips and it instantly stopped speaking.
âYes that's him Angela, its Ryland.â While the excitement was evident on Tim, Angela's face formed into a hateful scowl. Again he put a finger towards the blue figures lips and it began speaking.
âAnd if it doesn't then I have full trust that Dumbledore shall relay my message onto you.â Rylandâs energetic composure lost some of its happy glow. âBut I think now would be a good time to inform you why I have contacted you after so long.â A silent pause. âAs you already know itâs been six years since the defeat of You-Know-Who, and they've been well spent. Sadly there's always a bad mix to happy endings. I won't be able to be your secret keeper anymore.â Ryland fell silent for a tense moment. âTim, I'm dying and your secret won't be protected by me anymore.
The air seemed to be knocked out of Tim's lungs. He couldn't wrap his head around what Ray had said. Ray had always been there for him; his second, best friend, even his best man. A friend who had been there even when he had cowardly escaped a great evil's grasp. In an instant his hands were interlocked with Angela's.
âIt was an unexpected incident. I was on a regular ministry inspection located in a great forest in the London swamp area. It went awfully wrong. I was attacked by another wizard my partner nor I had expected. It was a set up of course. Long story short, they sank a curse into my chest and now the poisonous effects it held are spreading.â
Ryland gave a chuckle. âI guess adventuring is a good way to go but the healers still aren't sure for how long I'll live. It could be a few days or a couple of years; they predict I have nine years tops. Whichever way, I wanted to inform you Tim. I wanted my best mate to know. If I pass away then everyone the spell will be broken and everyone will know youâre alive. Besides, I have a few people after my head as it is. So, I am directing the task to the most trust able man I know. Dumbledore. We have been in contact by ministry workings and he seems like the only appropriate man. No better wizard than the man who defeated Grindleward!
âHe has gratefully done us this big favor and because of him your family can continue to be safe. Iâll keep being your keeper until I pass away, but itâs best to have a backup man. Tell Hannah her god-father says hello and stay safe buddy. Remember, I'm always available to be reached. Don't know for how long, but the offer still stands. And always watch you back mate.â
With that the blue man on the letter disappeared. Both Angela and Tim stared at the envelope with pale stricken faces and unreadable expressions.â Angela was the first to speak.
âNo.No. This must be a joke of some sort. It can't be true. It's a scam from both of you to gather information from us. But it won't happen!â
âI can assure you with the best of my ability that is not the case. I have accepted the task of being your keeper at the urgent request of Mr. Rayland. I shall keep the information quiet, not only for your sake but for the sake of Mr. Rayland who is a very important Auror in the ministry. But you two must agree and complete the required vow in order for me to become your future keeper. It must be agreed in a year and a half; without it, his wishes shall be futile.â
âDumbledore is right Angela.â He couldn't believe this was happening. Timothy's grip tightened. He hoped for the best for his friend but the sudden news impacted him. A sudden thought fazed his mind. âSince when have you known?â
The elderly wizard gave a small smile. âI have always had my hopes and suspicions that somehow you and Mrs.Evans had survived. The act of facing Voldermort was very brave and we..â
âDon't you dare say that name in this house!â Angela burst.
â-and well prepared but left me curios. How did you two, young wizards as you were, survive?â
Both Tim and Angela pressed their lips in a synchronized line.
Once again Angela was the first to speak. âAs I said, if you are here to gather information then you are wrongly mistaken. Letâs only discuss the vow.â
âVery well then, we shall not pry more than we are already involved in. Though we are waiting to hear you response to fulfilling Mr.Rylands wish, why don't we hear from our little guests?â
The couple and Professor McGonagal looked up by the last part of the comment. As if on queue a giggle was heard. Then a 'shh!' followed by a 'you stepped on me' from behind the separating archway.
âNow why don't you two come join us in this friendly gathering?â Dumbledore asked.
A moment passed before a small curly head popped out from the archway. Slowly with a bright giggle and blush she came out. The girl looked no older than six. Black curled hair framed her snow like skin and bright hazel eyes.
âI wasn't being bad, but Matty just wanted to play spy. So its his fault also, see he's here too!â She pointed to someone behind the arch, where she was previously hiding at. And slowly another small black haired child came out. It was younger boy. The redness of his cheeks made it noticeable he was embarrassed. With the shyness of a turtle, he hid behind the girl's legs.
 âDio Mio.â Timothy sighed trying to hide the growing desperation in his features.
Angela wasn't so prudent in downplaying her anger. âWhat are you two doing out here? Back upstairs now.â
The girl spoke. âBut we were watching t.v and then we heard voices! So we had to come!â
âNow, now Mrs. Martin, there is no reason to send our little companions away. After all, this is their home. Why don't you two come here?â The girl hesitated for a moment before running up to Dumbledore and flashing a big grin.
âHI! Wow, mummy and daddy never told us you were their friend.â
âNo I suppose they wouldn't, we haven't seen each other in a long time.â Dumbledore chuckled. âGreetings, my name is Albus Dumbledore. And what would your name be?â
âAlbus Dum- uh Dumwedore.â She giggled. âMy name Is Hann-â
âYou don't need to question the children.â Angela interrupted with a scowl. The young boy was already by her side with his hand interlocked within hers. âWe don't want them being used by people like you.â
âCertainly you don't believe any harm is meant to the children. He simply wished to know the name of one of his future students.â McGonagall inquisitively rose a brow. âYou are planning to enroll them Hogwarts right?â
The color drained from the couples face, yet before Timothy could say anything Hannah spoke.
âWhat is Hog-hog-uh-Hoggiwarts?â She asked curiously while tugging gently on Dumbledore's robes.
Dumbledore merely smiled and leaned down. âHogwarts is a school for many young wizards and witches, like yourself I'm assuming, that will learn to control their magic. I am the headmaster there.â
Her eyes widened and her rosy lips formed an 'o'. âBut Matty and I already know how to control our magic, cause we're special. Mommy is teaching us to control rui-â
âHannah that is enough!â Angela's anger was vivid. Abruptly she stood up and pulled Hannah roughly by the arm. âYou've talked enough today. Go upstairs.â
âActually I was enjoying our little conversation. But what is this about already knowing magic? I would have thought under-aged activity would have shown.â
It was Timothy's turn to speak. âHannah is still a young child. She doesn't understand what she's talking about.â He hesitated. âAnd besides, you promised not to pry.âÂ
âInteresting fact about children Mr. Evans, they can be more truthful and open minded than many of us grown adults. But I shall keep my word. We still need to agree if you accept your friendâs decision of assigning me as secret keeper or if you'd like to pass the task to someone else. But it is time for my evening scroll through Diagon Alley, I hear Madam Rosemary just got a new order of Chocolate Frogs.â With that he stood up followed by Professor McGonagall. Dusting his robes and flicking his wand, the bottles were put back in their place and that glass Hannah had just grabbed flew out of her hands.
As Professor McGonagall straightened her hat voices were heard coming down from the entrance stairs. âI told you that entering from the attic door wasn't a good idea.â
âYeah, well it proved easier than carrying all those groceries through the front.â
âYou can be so impartial. I don't remember dropping the cake part of -â
The arguing voices stopped. Coming through on of the two staircases, a red headed female was frozen mid-stop. Her dark brown hues looked to Dumbledore and professor McGonagall in disbelief. Finally she regained composure and smiled.
âHeadmaster Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall!â The redhead stepped from the steps to approach them. âTo what do we owe this surprise?â
âIts is good to see you're well and healthy Miss Martin.â McGonagall reached to shake the woman's hand which had been offered kindly and animatedly.
âAuntie Giselle!â Hannah had run and jumped to give the woman a hug. âWe got visited by weird people. I think they can do magic as well!
In contrast to the redhead the male on the steps wasn't so enthusiastic. He stepped down with a patient grin on his face. The lights seemed to reflect off his bald head.
âDumbledore. And here I thought I wouldn't see you until your last days. How have you been?â
Dumbledore simply touched the tips of his fingers together and nodded. âAh, the eldest Rossi. A wonder to see you again. Here. After your heart-felt statement about your brotherâs death. I'm assuming that unlike the rest, I can still call you a Rossi?â
The man grinned. âYes, I'm still Benjamin Rossi and I don't plan to change names any time soon. But what are you doing here? My brother must have failed to inform me that you were coming over.â
âI didn't fail to do anything, they just appeared out of nowhere!â
âProfessor Dumbledore and I will leave before anymore quarreling peruses.â âRight you are Minevera. It was a pleasure to see all of you again, until our next encounter Mr. Evans.â
After closing the door, Timothy lifted his son and handed him to Angela. There was a tense silence. âLetâs go eat. Put Matthew in his chair, Angela.â
Everyone followed his instructions. Yet he stayed frozen in place. Dumbledoreâs offer was difficult to refuse. But also ridiculous. He should just turn the role to his brother, but Raylandâs worse replayed themselves in his mind. âWatch your back.â Benjamin had been a Death Eater, and power was something neither Rossi could shy away from.
The faith of his family relied on this decision. Timothy opened the door and ran. âDumbledore!â Surprisingly the man still hadnât apparated and waited with a kind smile.
âIf I make you the keeper do you promise to keep my family safe? My children and wife?â Dumbledore nodded. âYou have my word. I shall do my best to keep your children safe. You are clever enough to know that dark times havenât ended. I will do my best, but I shall let you have the year to rethink of assigning me.â
Timothy caught his breath. âAlright, deal!â Both men shook hands. âThank you.âÂ
âHave a lovely mean Mr. Evans.â Three seconds later, and the elderly man released Timâs hand and apparated.
 Looking at the spot Timothy turned to head back in.













