Healing Chapter 24
Title: Healing (24/X)
Author: Maggie2mw (that's me!)
Word Count: 1,800
Rating: PG
Pairing: SS/OC and other minor pairings
Warnings: Spoiler to DH
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Olga opened her eyes to a strange world and decided to stay. She met strange people, and then realised that she is not much different. Hogwarts is reopening, and there are Death Eater activities again...
Chapter 24 - Visit from another world
Wind hollowed outside this tiny motel window, but it had lessened in strength. The first ray of the sun gave the thick curtain a golden tint around the edges. Outside across the town square the sound of a morning delivery trunk pulling in could be heard. The first bake from the motel kitchen drifted though as well. The town was slowly coming awake on this winter Christmas Day.
The Portkey had dropped us straight in this room not long ago. Although we left England well after lunch, the eight hour time difference meant we had arrived just before dawn. Since then we had all poured over the few maps. In my memory my home town was about thirty kilometres south of the Ulan-Ude, and according to the maps it existed in this world as well. Our best bet would be drive down and see if we can find the address. Even if my home was mirror in this world, it could be much changed since I last set foot there seven years ago.
“A ha! Just what we needed!” Professor Kwong exclaimed holding the travel guide we grabbed from downstairs’ reception desk. “Car rental, better flexibility than a taxi, don’t you agree Headmaster?”
“Severus, please. It is a preferable option, if you can manage the driving. Olga?”
I nodded. “I might able to recognise familiar landmarks on the way too. Would you able to drive on this icy country roads Professor?”
“Please call me Ludmil, this is the name I got given by my students here.” The Muggle Studies professor grinned proudly before continue on, “Driving is a necessary skill I picked up while travelling the world, and once learnt never forget. Now is the time to see if same can be said to my language skill. Would you lady and gentleman prefer some fresh scones for tea or breakfast?”
“Our Ludmil is a strange fella.” Severus mused. We had both taken a seat near the window with the curtains now drawn open.
“Yes, he was all mysterious and wise last time we talked.” I replied.
“I have heard that he had captured the interest of the students with his adventurous tales. I had hoped to have him on for a few more years, but now I can see now that travelling is more to his taste.”
“There are plenty holidays for our traveller to enjoy Britten, many places to visit. The current excitement is more due to coming back to a familiar place I am sure.”
Severus pulled his glaze away from the window to focus on me. “What about you Olga? How do you feel?”
“Scared, to be honest.” I looked down at my folded hands. “It is so familiar but also different. I am trying not to think about all the scenarios that can happen.”
“I am here, you are not alone.”
“I know, Severus. Thank you.”
CHANGEOFSCENE
We had been quiet during the trip, exchanging the bare minimum lines. The misty morning fog had clear as we drove up the windy road into the mountain. As we drove past a bend we could see a town in the distance. This is home. My hands had started to moist, I leaned my forehead close to the window, mentally putting names to the streets that had now became distinguishable.
My hands were engulfed in anther. It was only then that I realised how cold they were. I pulled my eyes from the sight out the window to my companion within.
“This is my home.” I said my thoughts out aloud to everyone to hear.
Severus nodded. Ludmil responded from the driver’s seat: “Good good, suggest somewhere for us to park the car Olga?”
“The town hotel is on the main road as we drive in. We can go have a drink and enquire the locals about news. If I am correct my house is a short walk down one of the drive way off the main road. Dad and uncles always come to the pub to chat to a familiar face on the way through.”
I pointed out the similar but different shop fronts as we drove past. The Old post office was still there on the corner, but a new mail box was standing in the front replacing the old green one. Few new banks had their branch here, too. The local deli had replaced by a supermarket. Glad to see the craft and doll shop was still here.
“Welcome strangers to our lovely town!” The deep greeting of the bar tender seemed to echo in the empty hall as we filed into the door. “What blessing had brought you here my friends?”
“Greetings.” Ludmil took the lead after settling us in the aside seats and ordered a light meal for us. “I am Ludmil, my friends here are passing through here on our travel in your beautiful country. I remembered a friend of mine that I had long lost contact. I wish to give her and her family a Christmas greeting in this festival season. Only trouble is I can only vaguely remember the house.”
“Ah, ask me my friend! There is nothing that Vlad does not know!” Vlad the bar tender slapped his hand on Ludmil’s shoulder. Our Muggles Studies Professor held onto himself well, only winces slightly from the big guy’s friendly gesture.
“I am looking for Nana Marina. She gave me a roof over my head when I was a poor collage students. It was over ten years ago, but I can never forget her kindness. It was like a heaven sent angel when I was a stranger in a strange land.” He delivered the pre arranged tale.
“The Old Dear. She had moved back here after all her grandchildren had left home to expand their own lives in the big cities. I heard from Maxim that they are all back for Christmas, no one can leave her side long no matter what!”
Dad, cousin Peter, cousin Ester… They are all here and they never left Nana like I did. The shame was overwhelming. The coffee in my mouth had become extra bitter. My vision blurred and started to spin.
“Olga!” Severus’ voice cut through the fog in my head. He had taken hold of my arm and pushed his tea into my hand. “Take slow snips of this. It will help to calm you.”
I can sense the faint trace of the Calming Draught, I gave a weak smile as my thanks as I slowly drained the cup.
“Is our darling alright here?” The bar tender ask me with concern.
“She is a bit homesick in this traditional family season.” Ludmil quickly covered for me. Severus and I were acting the role of English tourist that spoke no local language.
“It is difficult.” The bar tender smiled at me sympathetically. “My wife and I are giving a Christmas feast to the few visitors staying in the hotel. You are all welcome to join us, but I have the suspicion that Nana Marina will insist you joining them instead.”
“We will keep that in mind, but I think we should get going.” Ludmil thanked the bar tender for us.
The air was crisp and welcomely refreshing. We walked across the court yard down the main street. The town people were moving around us doing the last shopping and calling out greetings to each other, few even to us which Ludmil reply with enthusiasm.
My feet were on auto mode while my head was playing over and over the scenarios that could happen. It seemed that Ludmil had got clear directions from the bar tender and was leading us down a path that felt familiar to me.
“Nana, Nana, you got visitors, again!” A young girl’s good natured whinging pulled me back to the present. We were standing in front of an opened door. This was definitely the house that I spent the early ten years of my life, but what took my breath away was the young female in front of me.
“Lucy?” It could not be true. My childhood friend, we climb the same tree, swam in the same river, we were attached at the hip! She was now a beautiful young woman.
“Do I know you, Miss?” She asked in awkward English, and looked at me curiously.
“Ar, no.” I quickly answered in English as well. “You look like a childhood friend of mine.”
She smiled. “But you are right that I am Lucy, so we must become friends! And you look like a childhood friend of mine too! I do not think you have the same name.” She led us into the sitting room and pulled a young man up from the couch. “Oleg, my childhood friend and now fiancé. Oleg, these are Nana’s friends, and I think you and this young lady look like twins!”
“Lucy you are right! She must be my sister from another world!” Oleg laughed. I was lightening shocked of how correct his comment was. “Don’t you think so Nana?” The last sentence he addressed in Russian to someone behind me.
My Nana. Age had marked her face, making her look more kind and motherly. Quickly I was pulled into a tight hug. “Do not mind him, my dear.” A kiss was given to my cheek just like the old times. Nana talked on in her authority manner. “Maxim and Elena would have a handful with you two! Oleg, where is your mother? Her turn to organise Christmas, so where is the tea for the visitors?”
“Right here Mother, and Maxim is bring in the scones.” And here is my mother, my father… The effect of Calming Draught had worn thin. The dizziness was back and my head was like been drummed from the inside. I pulled on Severus’ sleeves and with all my strength could not manage anymore than a whisper, “Sev, I need to get out of here, Sev.”
“Hold on to me, close your eyes and clear your mind.” Severus winded an arm around my waist and laid the other hand on my wrist.
I nodded and followed his directions. One by one my sensors were dulled and I was slowly calm. Vaguely I felt apologies were exchanged and I was lead out and eventually back in the pub. Skilled hands massaged some minty balm into my temple. My head was slowly cleared and I pulled myself back out of my inner mind. “I’m sorry.” I murmured.
The hands were stilled and I was pulled on to a firm chest, “Olga, where ever that line was from, put it back. Everything is alright as long as you are. So are you?”
I nodded. “They are happy, they had a son, and that gave them the happiness.” My voice broke at that. “It is all because of me.”
Author: Maggie2mw (that's me!)
Word Count: 1,800
Rating: PG
Pairing: SS/OC and other minor pairings
Warnings: Spoiler to DH
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Olga opened her eyes to a strange world and decided to stay. She met strange people, and then realised that she is not much different. Hogwarts is reopening, and there are Death Eater activities again...
Chapter 24 - Visit from another world
Wind hollowed outside this tiny motel window, but it had lessened in strength. The first ray of the sun gave the thick curtain a golden tint around the edges. Outside across the town square the sound of a morning delivery trunk pulling in could be heard. The first bake from the motel kitchen drifted though as well. The town was slowly coming awake on this winter Christmas Day.
The Portkey had dropped us straight in this room not long ago. Although we left England well after lunch, the eight hour time difference meant we had arrived just before dawn. Since then we had all poured over the few maps. In my memory my home town was about thirty kilometres south of the Ulan-Ude, and according to the maps it existed in this world as well. Our best bet would be drive down and see if we can find the address. Even if my home was mirror in this world, it could be much changed since I last set foot there seven years ago.
“A ha! Just what we needed!” Professor Kwong exclaimed holding the travel guide we grabbed from downstairs’ reception desk. “Car rental, better flexibility than a taxi, don’t you agree Headmaster?”
“Severus, please. It is a preferable option, if you can manage the driving. Olga?”
I nodded. “I might able to recognise familiar landmarks on the way too. Would you able to drive on this icy country roads Professor?”
“Please call me Ludmil, this is the name I got given by my students here.” The Muggle Studies professor grinned proudly before continue on, “Driving is a necessary skill I picked up while travelling the world, and once learnt never forget. Now is the time to see if same can be said to my language skill. Would you lady and gentleman prefer some fresh scones for tea or breakfast?”
“Our Ludmil is a strange fella.” Severus mused. We had both taken a seat near the window with the curtains now drawn open.
“Yes, he was all mysterious and wise last time we talked.” I replied.
“I have heard that he had captured the interest of the students with his adventurous tales. I had hoped to have him on for a few more years, but now I can see now that travelling is more to his taste.”
“There are plenty holidays for our traveller to enjoy Britten, many places to visit. The current excitement is more due to coming back to a familiar place I am sure.”
Severus pulled his glaze away from the window to focus on me. “What about you Olga? How do you feel?”
“Scared, to be honest.” I looked down at my folded hands. “It is so familiar but also different. I am trying not to think about all the scenarios that can happen.”
“I am here, you are not alone.”
“I know, Severus. Thank you.”
CHANGEOFSCENE
We had been quiet during the trip, exchanging the bare minimum lines. The misty morning fog had clear as we drove up the windy road into the mountain. As we drove past a bend we could see a town in the distance. This is home. My hands had started to moist, I leaned my forehead close to the window, mentally putting names to the streets that had now became distinguishable.
My hands were engulfed in anther. It was only then that I realised how cold they were. I pulled my eyes from the sight out the window to my companion within.
“This is my home.” I said my thoughts out aloud to everyone to hear.
Severus nodded. Ludmil responded from the driver’s seat: “Good good, suggest somewhere for us to park the car Olga?”
“The town hotel is on the main road as we drive in. We can go have a drink and enquire the locals about news. If I am correct my house is a short walk down one of the drive way off the main road. Dad and uncles always come to the pub to chat to a familiar face on the way through.”
I pointed out the similar but different shop fronts as we drove past. The Old post office was still there on the corner, but a new mail box was standing in the front replacing the old green one. Few new banks had their branch here, too. The local deli had replaced by a supermarket. Glad to see the craft and doll shop was still here.
“Welcome strangers to our lovely town!” The deep greeting of the bar tender seemed to echo in the empty hall as we filed into the door. “What blessing had brought you here my friends?”
“Greetings.” Ludmil took the lead after settling us in the aside seats and ordered a light meal for us. “I am Ludmil, my friends here are passing through here on our travel in your beautiful country. I remembered a friend of mine that I had long lost contact. I wish to give her and her family a Christmas greeting in this festival season. Only trouble is I can only vaguely remember the house.”
“Ah, ask me my friend! There is nothing that Vlad does not know!” Vlad the bar tender slapped his hand on Ludmil’s shoulder. Our Muggles Studies Professor held onto himself well, only winces slightly from the big guy’s friendly gesture.
“I am looking for Nana Marina. She gave me a roof over my head when I was a poor collage students. It was over ten years ago, but I can never forget her kindness. It was like a heaven sent angel when I was a stranger in a strange land.” He delivered the pre arranged tale.
“The Old Dear. She had moved back here after all her grandchildren had left home to expand their own lives in the big cities. I heard from Maxim that they are all back for Christmas, no one can leave her side long no matter what!”
Dad, cousin Peter, cousin Ester… They are all here and they never left Nana like I did. The shame was overwhelming. The coffee in my mouth had become extra bitter. My vision blurred and started to spin.
“Olga!” Severus’ voice cut through the fog in my head. He had taken hold of my arm and pushed his tea into my hand. “Take slow snips of this. It will help to calm you.”
I can sense the faint trace of the Calming Draught, I gave a weak smile as my thanks as I slowly drained the cup.
“Is our darling alright here?” The bar tender ask me with concern.
“She is a bit homesick in this traditional family season.” Ludmil quickly covered for me. Severus and I were acting the role of English tourist that spoke no local language.
“It is difficult.” The bar tender smiled at me sympathetically. “My wife and I are giving a Christmas feast to the few visitors staying in the hotel. You are all welcome to join us, but I have the suspicion that Nana Marina will insist you joining them instead.”
“We will keep that in mind, but I think we should get going.” Ludmil thanked the bar tender for us.
The air was crisp and welcomely refreshing. We walked across the court yard down the main street. The town people were moving around us doing the last shopping and calling out greetings to each other, few even to us which Ludmil reply with enthusiasm.
My feet were on auto mode while my head was playing over and over the scenarios that could happen. It seemed that Ludmil had got clear directions from the bar tender and was leading us down a path that felt familiar to me.
“Nana, Nana, you got visitors, again!” A young girl’s good natured whinging pulled me back to the present. We were standing in front of an opened door. This was definitely the house that I spent the early ten years of my life, but what took my breath away was the young female in front of me.
“Lucy?” It could not be true. My childhood friend, we climb the same tree, swam in the same river, we were attached at the hip! She was now a beautiful young woman.
“Do I know you, Miss?” She asked in awkward English, and looked at me curiously.
“Ar, no.” I quickly answered in English as well. “You look like a childhood friend of mine.”
She smiled. “But you are right that I am Lucy, so we must become friends! And you look like a childhood friend of mine too! I do not think you have the same name.” She led us into the sitting room and pulled a young man up from the couch. “Oleg, my childhood friend and now fiancé. Oleg, these are Nana’s friends, and I think you and this young lady look like twins!”
“Lucy you are right! She must be my sister from another world!” Oleg laughed. I was lightening shocked of how correct his comment was. “Don’t you think so Nana?” The last sentence he addressed in Russian to someone behind me.
My Nana. Age had marked her face, making her look more kind and motherly. Quickly I was pulled into a tight hug. “Do not mind him, my dear.” A kiss was given to my cheek just like the old times. Nana talked on in her authority manner. “Maxim and Elena would have a handful with you two! Oleg, where is your mother? Her turn to organise Christmas, so where is the tea for the visitors?”
“Right here Mother, and Maxim is bring in the scones.” And here is my mother, my father… The effect of Calming Draught had worn thin. The dizziness was back and my head was like been drummed from the inside. I pulled on Severus’ sleeves and with all my strength could not manage anymore than a whisper, “Sev, I need to get out of here, Sev.”
“Hold on to me, close your eyes and clear your mind.” Severus winded an arm around my waist and laid the other hand on my wrist.
I nodded and followed his directions. One by one my sensors were dulled and I was slowly calm. Vaguely I felt apologies were exchanged and I was lead out and eventually back in the pub. Skilled hands massaged some minty balm into my temple. My head was slowly cleared and I pulled myself back out of my inner mind. “I’m sorry.” I murmured.
The hands were stilled and I was pulled on to a firm chest, “Olga, where ever that line was from, put it back. Everything is alright as long as you are. So are you?”
I nodded. “They are happy, they had a son, and that gave them the happiness.” My voice broke at that. “It is all because of me.”