She was begging him. The tears of pain and fear traced her cheeks. She was begging him to spare her only child. He laughed. The shrill, cold laugh froze the cores even of the watching gods above. The gods who had no mercy on the woman begging for the life of her only child. She kept begging to take her instead. But he showed no leniency. There was a flash of green light. A simple green light and two words took a life of another innocent being. The woman lay limp on the floor. He walked forward to the one-year-old. There was another flash of green light and then he vanished. Not the boy. No, the boy, he lived. He lived with a lightning bolt scar on his forehead. And he was Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived.....

She stood there. The vision of that boy repeated again in her mind for the thousandth time. She took a deep breath and started walking again. Her feet sank in the sand as beach air filled her nostrils. The wooden stick was still in her hands. She never left it. She waved it and coconut from the tree came to her. The water left a cooling sensation on her skin as the waves came and went.

There was a crack from far away, but she still heard it. She stopped in her tracks. Her eyes were on the endless sea. She felt the presence of someone else but still, she didn't turn around.

'Zephyr!' said an old voice behind her. She kept staring far away. The loneliness she always felt was gone. There was a pleasant aroma around which she rarely felt. Still looking at the blue water she spoke, 'You took your time Dumbledore, didn't you? I was starting to wonder if I am eleven yet or not.'

Zephyr turned around, for the first time taking her eyes off the sea. An old man with the long silver beard and half-moon spectacles stood in front of her, an amused expression decorating his face.

'It was hard to find you. You were not at your home with your parents-'

'Don't you dare feed me with that lie again. You and I very well know that they aren't my parents! But the question remains who are they?' She spoke in an angry low whisper. Dumbledore stared at her. She felt him invading her mind. She had to be angry about it. But she was not. She simply blocked him. Tiny droplets of water started pouring. Zephyr muttered under her breath and waved the wooden stick.

The water no more touched her. It repelled. Dumbledore was eyeing the wooden stick in her hand. 'Who's wand it is?'

'My real father's. Now if you wish to soak here in rain it's alright or else I invite you into my home.'

She started walking. Faraway she could see an old house. Its structure was decaying. But she didn't complain. After all, it was her home. She kept walking and soon she was in front of her home. Surprisingly it was in good condition. She opened it and waited for Dumbledore to walk in. He walked inside and stood surprised.

Zephyr walked past him in the kitchen and with the help of her wand she made a cup of tea. She walked back inside the living room and found Dumbledore sitting comfortably on the couch. She gave him the cup and sat on one of the armchairs.

'Thank you! A tea while it's raining.' He took a sip and then hit the question that Zephyr guessed he was itching to ask. 'I think there is no point in hiding it at all, but the question still remains how did you find your father's house?'

Zephyr stared into his blue eyes. Battle was going inside her mind. How much should she tell? She won't tell everything. Just a little bit. 'Some old friend of mine helped me escape from my step parents.'

'And may I know who your friend is?'

'No.' Zephyr stated. There was firmness in her voice so Dumbledore didn't ask any further. They sat in the silence. Zephyr's mind was clouding with thoughts of her past. She had not brought up her past for the past four years.

'He loved us so much, they loved me so much, that the thought never came to my mind that they could be my step parents. After I escaped from the orphanage when I was five, a beautiful lady comes and tells me that she has finally found her lost daughter. That was me. She takes me home and his husband is really happy too. But all the happiness was gone after a year and a half. He started to beat her. I didn't know why! I thought... I thought he loved her.' Tears were brimming in her eyes. She didn't know why was she was telling him this. But now she has started she didn't stop. She could feel Dumbledore's stare on her.

'After some months of abusing she was becoming sick. She still loved me. As always. And I too started to care for. I wanted to save her. And then comes my friend. But alas! My mom had already died. I had to go. Unfortunately, leave her. And then I am here. I find this tear stained letter lying on the bedroom. Glass pieces scattered everywhere. I find a wand lying nearby and then I get to know my parents..........'

She wiped off her tears. Dumbledore was still watching her. A tear shining in his beard. She felt good to let it all out. She looked at him hopefully. 'Now if I look at it, I guess he realised that I was not his real daughter who was lost ages ago. He was angry that his wife had lied to her. But they weren't my parents then who were?'

Dumbledore stood up and pulled out an envelope. He gave it to her. She frowned taking the envelope. And she knew he wasn't going to answer her question.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Ms Velodisantes,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

Zephyr stared at the letter then sighed. 'I just told you I have learnt all the spellbooks that I could find here. Why do I still need to attend Hogwarts?'

'Indeed you have the knowledge more than expected from the children of your age but you have to attend Hogwarts. You have to be there for Harry because I know you are the best protector I can ever find. Also, the knowledge you have received from the old spell books isn't all you learn at Hogwarts.' She stared at him and then nodded in understanding. Dumbledore smiled and continued.

'Now as you know your surname you can easily find your vault at Gringotts. I have already sent them the letter about it. Someone can accompany you-'

'I was alone till now Dumbledore. No one was there for the girl of 7 year old who lived by herself in this house alone. I'll be fine myself.'

He nodded standing up and walking towards the door. 'Now me, Professor Dumbledore would like to leave. I'll see you again at Hogwarts Ms Velodisantes.'

And he disappeared. The word Professor and Velodisantes still ringing in her ears.

Though it still amazed Zephyr that how could she not find her parents name or Velodisantes scribbled anywhere in her home or out.

Please point out mistakes. Every kind of suggestions, thoughts and critiques are welcome. Hope you're enjoying.

Emmalee