Lally
Almost a month had passed since Eulalie Hicks received an envelope with a familiar calligraphy. Newt Scamander had written the most peculiar correspondence. The subject: fantastic beasts in Asia, including some interesting findings about the zouwu and kappa as well as some illustrations. Lally first considered this to be one of Newt’s oddities as he had never sent her drawings, not even a quick sketch.
Just when the witch was about to discard the letter onto the pile of correspondence, one detail caught her attention. A small print of a phoenix in one of the corners. “Ah, very clever Mr Scamander”, she thought. This was no ordinary letter. It was a palimpsest, a magical one. Just as no-maj palimpsests, where a parchment was washed and then reused sometimes more than once, this one also concealed text but under layers of charms and enchantments.
After whispering countless words, rhymes and phrases, the ink traces finally danced over the surface and rearranged themselves as the words the magizoologist had intended:
Dear Professor Hicks,
This letter might result quite unexpected, but it deals with the most pressing matter. As you already know, Gellert Grindelwald has been gaining followers and his message has been, not only spread, but embraced by the most radical wizarding community. Professor Albus Dumbledore has instructed me to recruit a handful of trustworthy and capable wizards and witches to help him oppose the threat Grindelwald poses not only for the non-magical community, but for us as well.
If you are willing to take part on this endeavour, please contact Miss TG. Though she is unable to travel herself, she supports our cause. Not even these letters are completely secure. We would very much appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
Newt Scamander
“They want me?” Lally asked herself. Yes, she was an outstanding witch, but a scholar nonetheless. Her place had always been among the endless shelves of the Ilvermorny library and in front of a classroom. The only adventures she had ever faced were those in the pages of the novels that had captured her imagination since her mother read them to her before bed. “A book can take you around the world and back”, her mother used to say.
Still, she was a Thunderbird. Part of her had always wondered if she could follow a more daring path. She wanted to be so much more than she already was and become the main character of her very own story. Specially after what had happened with Malcolm Sharpe and that sordid incident she prayed to leave behind… Before this hint of boldness disappeared, she stood up and grabbed her coat. She would pay a visit to a dear old friend. “Contact Miss TG”, the letter said.
-o-o-o-
As soon as Eulalie or Lally, as she preferred, set foot in that train, she knew her life would change forever. There she was an ocean apart from her library and students; somewhere in Germany ready to fight the biggest threat to the world in the last centuries. She found herself standing in front of four men and a witch. Among them, one of the strangers seemed to outshine the rest for he was tall and possessed a rather poised presence. She could feel the eyes of this wizard on her, regarding her with curiosity perhaps.
Mr Scamander introduced them all, except for that wizard with chestnut hair and a slight resemblance to him.
“Oh! And this is my brother Theseus. He works for the Ministry of Magic.”, the magizoologist added, thus explaining the similarity between them.
“I’m Head of the British Auror Office, in fact”, Theseus explained.
“Well, I’ll have to ensure my wand registration is up to date”, Lally replied jokingly.
“That doesn’t really concern my office…”, a subtle blush appeared on the auror’s face after realising she was just teasing.
They all followed Newt across the coach and listened. Lally already had what she needed, nothing more than books. Her all time companions still by her side. Even so, the safety they provided was overshadowed by an electric feeling that seemed to stem from the auror standing a few meters away. It was as if invisible ribbons of raw energy, twirling between them, invited her to draw her gaze towards him. Lally had come searching for her true self and she had not expected to find something more. Let alone, someone.